John,

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders have been living, working and contributing to the U.S. for years. For so many of us who have built lives in the U.S., there simply is no other home.

My family came to the U.S. from El Salvador under TPS after a massive earthquake hit our country. Though I am now a permanent resident, members of my family are still TPS holders – and have been so for decades. My family is one of around 400,000 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients currently in the U.S.

Although TPS holders are eligible to work, own homes, and pay taxes, they are not eligible for most federal benefits, including financial aid for college. Additionally, this designation does not lead to lawful permanent status. For far too long, TPS holders have been in limbo waiting for solutions. We need Congress’ help, and we need yours.

Act now and tell Congress we need permanent solutions for TPS holders.

Many TPS recipients have US citizen children who at worst would be orphaned if TPS was rescinded. These children often live in constant fear that their parents will be taken from them. This has been a huge stressor and source of trauma on my little sister who is now 17 but was only 13 when TPS was first canceled in 2018. In the U.S., there are over 279,000 U.S. citizen children who have parents on TPS and live in limbo every day.

We deserve solutions – permanent solutions. Contact your member of Congress and urge them to pass immigration reforms. 

America is our home. Our neighbors are your neighbors. Our communities are your communities. What we see repeatedly from our immigrant community is that they are hard-working – and have helped us stay afloat throughout the pandemic. Over 130,000 TPS holders are identified as essential critical infrastructure workers and work in areas including construction, cleaning, driving/delivery, and farming.

Act now and tell Congress we need permanent solutions for TPS holders.

It’s time to take action and contact your representatives today. Bipartisan solutions are urgently needed for TPS holders, who face unknown futures.

The time is now for Congress to pass permanent solutions for TPS holders.

Thank you,
Andrea Castaneda-Lauver
Youth Pastor, Houston First Church of the Nazarene
President, South Texas District, Nazarene Youth International