AILA: Ending Protected Status Will Tear Apart American Families, Harm Businesses, and Communities

CONTACTS:
George Tzamaras 202-507-7649 gtzamaras@aila.org	Belle Woods 202-507-7675 bwoods@aila.org

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) warned that the decision by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 2,500 Nicaraguan nationals will harm American families, businesses, and communities. Although the Trump administration refrained from making a decision regarding TPS for Honduras, the future of 57,000 Honduran nationals has been deferred for a mere six months.

AILA President Annaluisa Padilla noted that the thousands of Nicaraguan nationals who will be forced to leave the United States are not the only ones who will be impacted by this decision. "For almost 20 years, Nicaraguan TPS beneficiaries have lived in the United States, putting down roots, and becoming integral and contributing members of their communities and our society. They have raised children who know no other home but America. Uprooting them from their communities and the businesses that depend on them is disruptive and harmful to our country. Until Congress passes a permanent fix to provide relief for long-term TPS beneficiaries, President Trump should extend their protected status."

Benjamin Johnson, AILA Executive Director, agreed. "We urge Congress to move on one of the bills that have been introduced in the House thus far, or offer a new legislative option that ensures stability and provides permanent status for TPS recipients who have lived for years in America. Over the past several months, the administration has been chipping away at TPS, piece by piece, undercutting America's humanitarian commitment to sheltering those facing dire need in the wake of disaster or civil strife. It is imperative that our President and Congress act in the best interests of this country. Businesses have spoken out about the need to protect TPS holders and communities have rallied around them. Fixing this legislatively, rather than expelling large groups of people who have built their lives here, is the right thing to do. Leaving families and businesses in limbo isn't."

According to DHS, TPS for Nicaragua will end on January 5, 2019.

###

The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.

Cite as AILA Doc. No. 17110730.