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What if I am from El Salvador and am on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) ?

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How the End of TPS May Effect Salvadorians

Recently the Trump administration ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 200,000 Salvadorians.

Temporary protected status is afforded to nationals of eligible countries that are affected by natural disasters or armed conflict. TPS allows these nationals to live and work in the United States for a limited time. Therefore, it is relief from deportation. It is also an avenue for work authorization and limited travel permission.

TPS is a Temporary Solution for Immigrants

Just like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which is also under siege by the Trump administration, it is not a permanent resolution for immigrants. Just as the name states, it is only temporary. It must be renewed every 18 months.

Unfortunately, many Salvadorians have been in under TPS in the United States since 2001, after the catastrophic earthquake. Thus, many beneficiaries of TPS have been here for 17 years and have started and grown their families, careers, businesses, and communities. Unfortunately, all of this will be uprooted following Trump’s order.

TPS for Salvadorians will terminate on September 9, 2019. We wanted to communicate to those affected by the changes, the new rules that you will need to consider.

Was Your TPS Terminated? Here is What You Can Do.

There is a re-registration period for individuals who already have TPS – this period is from January 18, 2018 – March 19, 2018

On Jan. 18, 2018 the government automatically extended employment authorization documents (EADs or work permits) issued under the final TPS extension for Salvadorians for another 180 days, meaning that it will be valid through Sept. 5, 2018. If you are a TPS beneficiary under the El Salvador designation and your EAD is based on your TPS status with an original expiration date of March 9, 2018, your EAD is covered by this automatic extension and you may continue to work through Sept. 5, 2018, using your current EAD.

To prove that you are authorized to continue working legally, you may show the following to government agencies and your employer:

  • Your EAD/Work Permit with a March 9, 2018 expiration date; and
  • A copy of the Federal Register notice announcing the automatic extension.

Need Counsel for an Immigration Matter? Call Today!

Immigration law can be complicated and this article does not exhaust all the circumstances surrounding TPS for Salvadorians. These issues can be complex. If you have any questions regarding applying for a TPS renewal, please do not hesitate to contact Yekrangi & Associates at (949) 478-4963.

Call (949) 478-4963 or complete an online form to consult an Orange County immigration attorney at Yekrangi & Associates.

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