Congresswoman Luz Rivas Hosts Community Leaders for Listening Session on TPS for El Salvador

LOS ANGELES - Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) hosted community leaders and El Salvador Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders about the issues affecting the Salvadoran population. The conversation focused on the experiences, concerns, and priorities of the Salvadoran community in the San Fernando Valley. As of October 21, 2026, Salvadoran TPS holders continue to face uncertainty about their long-term immigration status, employment authorization, and ability to remain with their families in the United States.

"Thanks to the TPS designation for El Salvador, Salvadoran immigrants have built their lives, raised their families, and strengthened their communities here in the San Fernando Valley and across the United States - for many, the United States is the only country they have ever called home," said Congresswoman Rivas. "Not only is the Trump Administration's decision to force Salvadorans into legal limbo is not only heartless, but it is also harmful to communities across the country. Salvadoran immigrants fuel America's success, and the extension of TPS would provide them the relief and the opportunity to continue strengthening our nation. I want to thank everyone who joined me for a productive listening session on how we can work together to protect TPS for the Salvadoran community. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure the United States continues to uphold our nation's values to uplift all who seek a better life in our country."

Background:

Congresswoman Rivas invited leaders and representatives from Immigo, CARECEN, Arleta Neighbors in Action, One LA-IAF, and the Family Support Center Coordinator at Pacoima Charter School for a listening session on the issues Salvadoran TPS holders are currently facing.

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. Salvadoran TPS holders contribute an estimated $5.4 billion to the U.S. economy and have a nearly 90 percent participation rate in the labor force.

The current TPS designation was given to immigrants from El Salvador 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. On September 9, 2026, DHS announced that Salvadoran TPS holders would retain their protections while the Administration considers a final determination regarding the designation. No timeline for that decision was provided. As of October 20, 2026, Salvadoran TPS holders continue to face uncertainty about their long-term immigration status, employment authorization, and ability to remain with their families in the United States.

On July 7, 2026, Congresswoman Rivas sent a letter urging Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to extend the TPS designation for migrants from El Salvador by July 11, 2026, 60 days before its expiration on September 9, 2026, for 18 months - the maximum extension allowed under law.

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