DROMM CALLS ON OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO EXTEND TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS TO ECUADORIANS IN THE UNITED STATES

New York, NY, June 1, 2016 — NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm joined the New York Immigration Coalition in calling on the Obama administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Ecuadorians living in the United States as Ecuador recovers from a devastating earthquake that hit the nation earlier this spring.

On April 16, 2016, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Ecuador’s pacific coast, killing hundreds of people and injuring more than 27,000.   While the cities of Manta, Portoviejo and Pedernales saw the most devastation, the damage is widespread throughout the country.  Dromm’s district has been particularly affected as it is home to thousands of Ecuadorians whose families have been impacted by the tragedy.

TPS is typically extended to nationals of countries that have been devastated by natural disasters or armed conflicts, making it unsafe for individuals to return to their homelands.   TPS can be designated by the President without the need for approval from Congress.  If granted, TPS would protect many Ecuadorian nationals in the United States from deportation and allow for their continued support of Ecuador through remittances.
“I join the New York Immigration Coalition in calling on the Obama administration to extend Temporary Protected Status to Ecuadorians living in the United States,” said NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst), who represents one of the largest Ecuadorian communities in the city.  “Given the current state of Ecuador in the wake of their catastrophic earthquake, any removal of Ecuadorian immigrants would be inhumane and would undermine recovery efforts.  Extending Temporary Protected Status to Ecuadorians in the United States is morally the right thing to do.” Press Release.