Refugees granted extended stays
Thousands of Hondurans, Nicaraguans and Salvadorans in Southern California and across the United States who are here under temporary protected status have been granted an 18-month extension, officials said.
Hondurans and Nicaraguans who received protected status after Hurricane Mitch devastated their countries with floods and mudslides in 1998 were due to return home after July 5. Salvadorans who were granted the same status in 2001 after massive earthquakes shook El Salvador were scheduled to lose their privileges Sept. 9.
“It’s been decided that these three countries, while there have been improvements, while they are getting back to normal, they’re still not ready to accept the numbers of people who would otherwise be returning to those countries,” said Sharon Rummery, spokeswoman for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
There are an estimated 78,000 Hondurans, 4,000 Nicaraguans and 230,000 Salvadorans in the U.S. who have been granted temporary protected status, including tens of thousands who make their home in Southern California.
Temporary protected status is granted to nationals of countries subject to “serious armed conflict or severe environmental disaster” who are then allowed to apply to remain in the U.S. while their home country recovers, Rummery said.
To qualify, people must be in the U.S. when the benefit is granted, and they are not allowed to have a criminal record of more than one misdemeanor. Status is renewed on a six- to 18-month basis.
“You’re allowed to work in the U.S., you can get a work permit, you can stay here, but you don’t have any claims to staying here permanently,” Rummery said.
Applicants should check with their country’s consulate to determine when to register for an extension, officials said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
