Hoyer Statement on the Trump Administration’s Decision to End Temporary Protected Status for Salvadorans
Press Types
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
January 8, 2018
Contact Info:
Mariel Saez 202-225-3130
WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the Trump Administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status for 200,000 Salvadorans living in the United States:
“The President’s decision to end temporary protected status for 200,000 Salvadorans who have sought refuge in this country is both misguided and dangerous. Not only does it run counter to our values of providing a haven to refugees fleeing disaster, it also could spark a new economic and humanitarian crisis in Central America if these refugees and their American family members are forced to relocate en masse. It would also have a devastating impact on many communities in our country, including a loss of billions of dollars in GDP over the next decade if we were to lose these workers from our economy. I’ve met with a number of these Salvadoran refugees in my district, and they are only enhancing and enriching the cultural and economic life of our communities.
“Following similar decisions to end the protected status of tens of thousands of Haitians and Nicaraguans, this Administration is sending a clear message: America is no longer the shining city upon a hill to whom refugees can look with hope in their darkest hours. Indeed, these policies seek to make our nation unexceptional, to dim the lantern on Lady Liberty, to diminish the very meaning of America. Congress ought to pass legislation that allows those holding temporary protected status to remain here, and I urge Republicans to work with Democrats to do so as well as to allow DREAMers to be allowed to stay and help build this country’s future.”
“The President’s decision to end temporary protected status for 200,000 Salvadorans who have sought refuge in this country is both misguided and dangerous. Not only does it run counter to our values of providing a haven to refugees fleeing disaster, it also could spark a new economic and humanitarian crisis in Central America if these refugees and their American family members are forced to relocate en masse. It would also have a devastating impact on many communities in our country, including a loss of billions of dollars in GDP over the next decade if we were to lose these workers from our economy. I’ve met with a number of these Salvadoran refugees in my district, and they are only enhancing and enriching the cultural and economic life of our communities.
“Following similar decisions to end the protected status of tens of thousands of Haitians and Nicaraguans, this Administration is sending a clear message: America is no longer the shining city upon a hill to whom refugees can look with hope in their darkest hours. Indeed, these policies seek to make our nation unexceptional, to dim the lantern on Lady Liberty, to diminish the very meaning of America. Congress ought to pass legislation that allows those holding temporary protected status to remain here, and I urge Republicans to work with Democrats to do so as well as to allow DREAMers to be allowed to stay and help build this country’s future.”