For immediate release: May 17, 2023
Media contact: Gabriela Hernandez, [email protected]
Langley Park, Maryland – Speaking before more than 100 cheering constituents at a townhall hosted by immigrant powerhouse CASA, Congressman Glenn Ivery committed to appealing to the administration to redesignate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Central American countries.
Claudia, an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador and CASA member, expressed her fear of deportation to Congressman Ivey, “I have a seven-year-old son with special needs. For the 14 years I’ve lived here, I’ve always paid my taxes. I try to do everything that this country desires of me, but without having a legal immigration status, I feel we are invisible.”
“There is actual legislation that needs to get done, but TPS is something we can do without legislation through the administration,” Congressman Glenn Ivey responded. “We are going to create a coalition in Congress, a team who can support these efforts and can work together to push the Biden administration on TPS for Central America.”
Temporary Protected Status is a temporary humanitarian renewable relief program that allows people from across the world to live and work in the United States, providing protection from deportation. CASA and leaders across the country have been calling on the Biden administration to designate and redesignation TPS for Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala — all countries facing severe human rights and climate crises. More information can be found at www.tpsforcentralamerica.org.
“We are excited for the opportunity for relief that TPS offers to families who have lived in the US for years — this will be life-changing,” said Gustavo Torres, CASA Executive Director. “CASA commends Congressman Ivey for his leadership to the immigrant community. We look to President Biden to protect and respect immigrant families.”
With over 122,000 lifetime Latino, immigrant, and working-class members across 46 US states, CASA is the foremost immigrant organization in the mid-Atlantic region and a national leader in supporting immigrant families and ensuring that all individuals have the core support necessary for full participation in society. Now a national immigrant powerhouse, CASA creates change with its powerbuilding model blending human services, community organizing, and advocacy in order to serve the full spectrum of the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members. Visit us at www.wearecasa.org and follow us on Twitter at @CASAforall.