Issued November 17, 2017
WASHINGTON—In response to a new Senate bill, The SECURE Act, introduced by Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) that would protect approximately 320,000 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders from deportation, SEIU International Executive Vice President and iAmerica Action President Rocio Sáenz issued the following statement:
“Members of Congress from both sides of the Capitol recognize the importance of passing legislation that provides a permanent solution for TPS recipients. There’s no time to waste or excuses not to move forward and enact legislation to protect thousands of immigrant families and their children so they can enjoy Thanksgiving and the holidays together without fear of getting ripped apart. SEIU members call on Congress to act now.
“With looming deadlines that would place thousands of families in limbo, we also urge the Department of Homeland Security to extend Haiti's TPS designation for the full 18 months before the Thanksgiving deadline and also urge a full 18-month extension of TPS for Salvadorans. SEIU members, our families and our communities will continue to make our voices heard until our sisters and brothers no longer have to live in fear.”