Trump Ends Protected Status for 250,000 Earthquake Refugees from El Salvador

The Trump administration has announced it is ending temporary protected status for up to 250,000 Salvadorans who have been living in U.S. since at least 2001. The temporary protected status, known as TPS, gives the Salvadorans legal permission to live and work in the United States. It was enacted in 2001, after a devastating pair of earthquakes hit El Salvador. The announcement sparked immediate protests at the White House and a press conference in New York City. 

The Salvadorans will now have 18 months to leave the U.S. or find a legal way to remain in the country. The move will also affect nearly 200,000 children of Salvadoran parents who have TPS. These children are U.S. citizens.