The Trump administration has yet to make a decision on the fate of around 200,000 Salvadorans living in the United States under Temporary Protected Status, even though the designation was set to expire today.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said that until a further announcement is made, “Salvadoran individuals present in the U.S. under TPS retain protection.” Some Salvadorans with TPS protections have had it for decades. Salvadorans were the first immigrants granted TPS in 1990 following the nation’s civil war. They again received the protection in 2001 after earthquakes rocked the small country, and the designation has been renewed every time it has been up for reconsideration since.
Under TPS, immigrants have no direct mechanism through which to obtain permanent legal status. The designation allows immigrants protection from deportation and the ability to legally work in the United States.