US bishops urge continued immigration protections for 270,000 Ukrainians and Salvadorans

U.S. bishops are calling on the government to maintain immigration protections for approximately 170,000 Salvadorans and 100,000 Ukrainians currently holding temporary protected status (TPS). In a statement from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the bishops warned that uncertainty regarding these designations could lead to deportations and the disruption of families.

The bishops urged the administration to evaluate the conditions in these countries of origin and the risks to human life that might arise from forced repatriation. They also requested that the government provide clear notice regarding the future of these statuses so that employers, families, and communities can prepare for any changes.

The Department of Homeland Security told EWTN News on Oct. 22 that beneficiaries from both countries will retain their protections until the agency makes a final decision on the designations. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services previously posted alerts stating that Ukrainian beneficiaries would keep their protections, including the authorization to work, pending a future announcement. A similar notice was issued regarding El Salvador following a Sept. 9 expiration deadline.