Congresswoman Luz Rivas Urges DHS Secretary Mullin to Extend TPS Designation for Salvadoran Migrants

LOS ANGELES - Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) is urging Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to extend the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for migrants from El Salvador by July 11, 2026, 60 days before the expiration on September 9, 2026, for 18 months.

"TPS holders from El Salvador have lived continuously in the United States for at least 25 years and have undergone rigorous security and background checks as part of the TPS process," wrote Congresswoman Rivas. "Salvadoran TPS holders have spent the majority of their lives in the United States, with many likely having no solid connection to El Salvador."

The current TPS designation from 2001 has protected over 170,000 Salvadoran migrants from the effects of two earthquakes, gang violence, and political instability.

Congresswoman Rivas continued: "TPS holders are deeply woven into the fabric of communities across the country as small business owners, public servants, and essential workers. The potential disruption in TPS status for over 170,000 Salvadorans will cause significant harm to local economies and communities around the country. Salvadoran TPS holders contribute an estimated $5.4 billion to every corner of the U.S. economy. Salvadoran TPS holders have almost a 90 percent participation rate in the U.S. labor force, with 10 percent being self-employed small business owners."

A full copy of the letter can be found here.

Background:

The current TPS designation was given to Salvadorans on March 9, 2001, in response to the earthquakes that occurred in January 2001 and February 2001. Multiple extensions have been given to Salvadoran TPS holders since 2001. The current extension expires on September 9, 2026. The Secretary of Homeland Security must determine whether to extend a TPS designation at least 60 days before the expiration of the current TPS designation. If the Secretary does not decide whether a country still qualifies for TPS at least 60 days before its expiration, the TPS designation is extended for six months. Congresswoman Rivas is calling on the Secretary of Homeland Security to extend El Salvador's TPS designation by 18 months - the maximum allowed under law.

Salvadorans are the third largest group of TPS holders, at approximately 170,000. Approximately 49,100 Salvadoran TPS holders are living in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

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