A recording of the call is here.
Today marks DHS’ scheduled date for the termination of TPS for Sudan which has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge. In light of this, and ongoing developments in the lawsuit Ramos v. Nielsen that have temporarily extended TPS protections for Sudan, Nicaragua, El Salvador & Haiti, Sudanese TPS Holders and legal experts gathered to discuss the urgent importance for Congress to find a legislative solution for hundreds of thousands of TPS holders across the country.
Amaha Kassa, Executive Director of African Communities Together, said, “Our Sudanese members with TPS are relieved that the court injunction has bought them a little more time to remain in this country without having their lives and families ripped apart. But they are very aware that this reprieve could be taken away at any moment. It’s up to Congress to take this time to enact a permanent solution for hundreds of thousands of TPS holders and their American children.”
Hiwaida Elarabi, TPS holder from Sudan, said, “The countdown to November 2nd has been a terrifying period. I am grateful that thanks to the court injunction this is not that dreaded day; many people are breathing a huge sigh of relief. We want America to know that we are hardworking people, who merely want to protect their families. You will find us in all walks of life – teachers, taxi drivers, waiters. This is the country that we know and call home. We know our work is far from over, and we truly believe that if Congress gives TPS a deeper look they will realize just how much we are rooted in American society, and how much we contribute to it.”
Yasir Sati, TPS holder from Sudan, said, “I have lived in Boston for decades. I’ve worked hard and was able to buy a home for my family in 2011. I have two daughters; a 10-year-old and a 5-year-old. Both my kids and my wife are US citizens. They are the light of my life. My license expired with TPS and I was not able to work until I was able to renew it. My wife’s job is not enough compensation to cover expenses. We were struggling during that time. If I had to leave the country, I would not be able to take care of them anymore. It hurts, I love my family to death. I’m a hard worker: I pay taxes and my mortgage. The six-month extension is a relief but it is still stressful as it’s not a final decision.”
Emi MacLean, Co-Legal Director, National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) & counsel in Ramos v. Nielsen said, “TPS holders who have mobilized in court and in the streets have secured important protections–a temporary halt to scheduled TPS terminations which Sudanese TPS holders begin to benefit from today. But the fight is far from over, and this Administration has callously appealed the court order enjoining the terminations. We will continue to challenge the illegal and unconstitutional TPS terminations in court as TPS holders seek a long-term political solution.”
Anu Joshi, Senior Policy Director, New York Immigration Coalition, said, “Although this battle will continue in the courts, only Congress can provide the permanent protections these long-time residents deserve. This hard fought for injunction provides time for Congress to get their act together, do their job, and pass a permanent solution for TPS recipients. TPS recipients have held up their end of the bargain. They have undergone extensive background checks (some as many as 11 times), paid their fees and checked in regularly with the government. Election Day is coming, and it’s never been more clear the American public wants action, not obfuscation or speeches, especially when it comes to long-standing residents of our communities. It’s time for Congress to get to work and pass a permanent solution for all TPS recipients and put an end to their state of legal limbo.”
