Here is recording of the call.
Earlier today, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, immigration lawyers, and advocates gathered to discuss Judge Edward Chen’s decision to issue a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration’s termination of TPS for Sudan, Haiti, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. The injunction will give temporary relief until the lawsuit challenging the administration’s decision to eliminate TPS ends. Congress must use this time to find a permanent solution for TPS holders and their families.
Martha Arevalo, Executive Director of CARECEN-LA, said: “With TPS holders, the National TPS Alliance was formed in an effort to protect TPS holders and their families to help find a permanent solution. Our main focus is to develop and support as many TPS holders as leaders in their communities so they can be the heart of this effort. TPS affects more than 400,000 people nationally as well as hundreds of thousands of children of TPS holders who are mostly U.S. citizens. We are focused on advocating on behalf of TPS holders, but also to push legislative strategy geared towards creating a permanent solution for all.”
Emi MacLean, Co-Legal Director of NDLON, said: “Last night a preliminary injunction to stop the termination of TPS for four countries was granted. These are decisions that affect 300,000 TPS members as well as their families. This is an extraordinary decision. It is the first time in the history of the TPS statute that there has been a court order halting any TPS termination. There is ample evidence to suggest these decisions were motivated by the President’s racist and discriminatory intent. Judge Edward Chen said that the harm from terminating TPS was undeniable and overwhelmingly one sided, and would only be amplified if the court did not act. Ultimately, Judge Chen decided that the preliminary injunction was necessary in order to maintain the status quo while the case proceeded. In essence, the government changed the rules of the game without explanation, in violation of the law–and did so based on racist and discriminatory motivations in violation of the Constitution.”
Jose Palma, TPS Holder from El Salvador, & organizer with National TPS Alliance said: “Yesterday’s decision brings happiness to my heart, and for many of us is a light on the road to permanent residency that we’ll achieve by organizing together. The National TPS Alliance is celebrating this decision and will continue with the TPS Journey for Justice, organizing more TPS committees across the country, talking with allies, and working with elected officials for their support and making sure they understand the importance and the needs to achieve something that people with TPS deserve. The recipients are part of the communities across the country. We need the community, and the communities need us. Last night’s decision is a message that we’re going in the right direction, and I hope that soon we can achieve permanent residency for all TPS holders.”
Wilna Destin, Plaintiff, TPS holder from Haiti, UNITE-HERE Member, said: “I joined the lawsuit because I believed it was the right thing to do. I have two children who know nowhere else. The U.S is their home. I work hard and fight for the rights of people in my community and my kids who need me. I was very happy about the decision last night. We will keep striving for more victories like this. As a mother, wife and union member, I have to keep fighting.”
Hiwaida Elarabi, Plaintiff, TPS holder from Sudan, said: “Today is a good day. I’m a TPS holder who has been in this country for 21 years, during which time I have worked with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and health educators, while I’ve also earned my Masters Degree in Bioinformatics. There are no good options for me if TPS is terminated. I am afraid to move to Sudan and I cannot imagine leaving my home in the US. I embody the hopes and dreams of more than 300,000 people who find themselves in the same position as me. I was finally able to breathe after the decision yesterday, however it’s not over. Congress must provide a permanent solution for TPS holders like me who have lived in and contributed to this country for decades.”
More information on the lawsuit, links to the court filings and decisions, and profiles of the plaintiffs are available here.
