INS Extends Temporary Suspension of Removals for Central Americans Through January 7

WASHINGTON - The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) announces today that it will extend through January 7, 1999, the temporary suspension of removals in effect for aliens from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

INS initially announced the temporary suspension for Guatemala and Honduras and then extended the action to El Salvador and Nicaragua. These countries are not in a position to receive the return of their nationals at this time due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch.

The extension of the temporary suspension through January 7, 1999, gives the Central American countries and the international humanitarian assistance efforts that are underway time to work on the urgent recovery needs of the region. The Administration is closely monitoring conditions in these countries and will re-evaluate the situation in January.

- INS -