DHS Extends Protected Status for 200,000 El Salvadorans, Blames 2001 Earthquake

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week once again extended Temporary Protection Status (TPS) for more than 200,000 El Salvadorans currently living in the United States, blaming continued damages in the Latin American country from an earthquake that occurred there nearly 14 years ago. Under the latest in a long line of TPS extensions, the DHS, under the authority of Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, extended TPS status to qualified El Salvadorans for an additional 18 months until at least September 2016. Those approved for TPS protection are not subject to deportation and can obtain a work permit. Temporary Protection Status was first given to El Salvadorans in 2001 under the Bush administration after two major earthquakes killed more than 1,000 El Salvadorans, injured thousands more, and displaced many families from their homes. Since that time, the TPS has continued to be granted to El Salvadorans who came to the United States seeking refuge for nearly 14 years now. Under U.S. law, Temporary Protection Status can be granted to individuals from certain countries, provided “there has been an earthquake, flood, drought, epidemic, or other environmental disaster in the state resulting in a substantial, but temporary, disruption of living conditions in the area affected.”...more