US Congressman calls to grant the TPS immigration status to Ecuadorians after earthquake
Democratic Congressman Luis Gutierrez today asked US President Barack Obama to grant Temporary Protection Status (TPS) for Ecuadorians living in US territory, as a result of the earthquake that struck the country last April 16th.
“The US Congress created the TPS for exactly this kind of dire circumstances abroad, when citizens can not return safely to their country and are already living in the US,” said the legislator in a letter sent to the president.
The Temporary Protection Status extends to nations facing serious crises because of natural disasters and conflicts and can be designated by US President without the need for congressional approval.
If granted, says the congressman, the TPS would protect certain Ecuadorian citizens living in the United States from deportation and would allow them continue supporting their country through remittances.