Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) remains deeply concerned about the looming expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 170,000 Salvadorans.
“We urge the administration to consider continued protections for our Salvadoran neighbors whose lives, families and futures face uncertainty and disruption with the expiration of TPS. Our faith calls us to uphold God-given dignity for all and seek compassion and stability for those who have built their lives and communities here,” explains Rev. Christine Dunn, LSSNCA Director of Development.
El Salvador’s TPS designation was set to expire Sept. 9, but the Department of Homeland Security has not announced a final decision, making it difficult for families to feel stability and create long-term plans.
“Families should not be forced to live with the constant uncertainty of whether they will lose their livelihoods, be required to return to a country they have not called home for decades or may be separated from their children,” said Kristyn Peck, LSSNCA CEO. “We urge the administration to provide clarity and continued protections for Salvadoran families and others who have built their lives and communities here.”
For decades, TPS has provided safety and stability to people who cannot safely return to their countries because of conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. Salvadoran TPS holders have built lives in the United States, raised families, contributed to their communities and workplaces, and made this country their home. TPS protections for people from more than 10 countries have been terminated, placing families and communities at risk of losing the legal status and work authorization they rely on.
LSSNCA urges Congress and the administration to pursue durable, permanent protections for long-term TPS holders that provide families with stability and a pathway to remain in the communities they call home.
As TPS policies continue to change, LSSNCA strongly encourages TPS holders from El Salvador and other affected countries to seek legal consultation from a qualified immigration attorney or accredited legal services provider. Depending on their circumstances, some TPS holders may qualify for another form of immigration relief or pathway to lawful permanent status.
LSSNCA stands ready to help. Connect with our experienced immigration legal team to discuss your case, understand your options, and determine what pathways may be available to you.
Learn more or request legal assistance: Dignity Immigration Legal | LSSNCA
