It’s beginning to get old already. A crackdown on immigration is one thing. However, if you’re from El Salvador, you may have gone through all the “right steps.” You registered with the government, although the USCIS website now says they’re not taking any more re-registration applications. Could this be more than a bad dream? Are you suddenly worried about deportation?
The sad truth is that it is starting to become a pattern. Earlier this week, the Trump Administration announced that they will be ending the Temporary Protected Status of nearly 200,000 immigrants from El Salvador. The measure follows a similar move aimed at immigrants from Nicaragua a few months ago. And of course, it also mirrors declarations regarding Haitian immigrants.
The designation of Temporary Protected Status allows immigrants from certain countries to stay in the United States because of adverse or dangerous conditions in their homeland. Some of these circumstances include war, natural disaster, certain types of public health issues and human rights violations.
Much like the push to end TPS for Nicaraguans and Haitians, the move promises to create disruption and division within thousands of families currently living and working in the United States.
El Salvadorians and TPS Status
First, a brief look back at why El Salvadorians were granted TPS in the first place. In March of 2001, approximately 200,000 immigrants from El Salvador were allowed temporary protection status in the United States. Like others granted TPS, the measure was done because of problematic conditions in El Salvador.
As you may recall, there were two earthquakes in January and February of 2001. More than 1,000 people died as a result, and hundreds of thousands of homes were destroyed. Over the next fifteen years, the George W. Bush and Obama administrations extended the protections several times. Notwithstanding, the current powers that be are not similarly inclined.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, El Salvador’s infrastructure has been repaired since the earthquakes. In the government’s mind, this means there is no longer any reason for TPS designees to stay in the United States. The group is the third country, behind Haitians and Nicaraguans, to lose their Temporary Protected Status.
For many El Salvadorians, relocation to the states has changed lives. In fact, a great number are secure in jobs. Some younger El Salvadorians may only speak English. A return to their country is intimidating. At the very least, deportation is frightening.
What It Means on the Ground
When we strip away the abstract numbers and macro policy, we see approximately 200,000 people in real and profound danger of losing their families, their livelihoods and everything they’ve built since coming here. If you are one of them, you may have already made the decision to stay in the country illegally.
This means going under the radar with others concerned about deportation. Texas is home to many El Salvadorians who find themselves in a terrible dilemma. Many will lose their jobs and their ability to provide for their loved ones.
Those registered for TPS are particularly alarmed. After all, the government knows where to find them. They’ve worked hard, established families and contributed to their communities. The Trump Administration has given them 18 months to return to El Salvador.
Protect Yourself
So, what does this mean to you? Were you or your family protected by TPS? Are you worried about DACA? Bottom line, are you concerned that you could be deported?
If you or a family decides to stay and is picked up by the authorities, you will be placed in a deportation center. Your best hope is to at least obtain a temporary release while you are held against your will. You will need an immigration bond to buy you some time.
Unfortunately, there’s a high chance that you or your family may be affected by the Trump Administration’s immigration policy. It may be only a matter of time. Here, at Freedom, we will provide you with the tools to secure an immigration bond.
Contact Freedom Federal Bonding Agency today to learn more. We look forward to helping you.