Washington, DC

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Mayor Bowser released the following statement regarding the United States Department of Homeland Security’s decision to revoke Temporary Protected Status for Nicaragua:

“Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was established to assist immigrants in the United States who cannot return safely to their country of origin due to severe violence, war, famine, or other dangerous scenarios. Earlier this year, we requested an extension of TPS status for El Salvador, and last week, I joined mayors across the country in calling for an 18-month extension of TPS for people from Honduras and Nicaragua.

“I am disappointed by the Trump Administration’s decision to end TPS for Nicaragua and to only provide an additional six-month extension for Honduras. Immigrants from TPS-designated nations have become integral members of our communities. These residents grow our economies, attend our schools and universities, and help our neighborhoods thrive. Beyond making positive contributions, our residents from El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras still lack a safe alternative to the United States, as their homelands continue to face devastating violence. If TPS expires for these nations, many recipients will face life-threatening consequences.”