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We don’t know for how long, but employees are work-authorized tomorrow.

Here’s what we know and what we do not:

Temporary Protected Status was scheduled to end today, September 9, 2026 for over 170,000 Salvadoran immigrants to the United States. All these individuals have been in the country for over 25 years; they are vetted every 18 months; many are skilled workers and employers. They are valued community members and parents to over 150,000 U.S. citizen children.

Earlier today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had announced that they would make an announcement at “the appropriate time”.

Later in the evening, USCIS issued this notice stating that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections for El Salvador remain valid, and so do the work permits of these TPS holders.

To all of you who have been reaching out to the administration and members of Congress and sharing your story in the press – your efforts have helped. Continue to engage and urge the extension of TPS El Salvador- add your name to our Employer Open Letter.

Salvadoran TPS holders are an indispensable pillar of the American workforce:

  • Salvadorans avg 25+ Years live and work in USA. Skilled and vetted every 18 months)
  • Labor Force Participation: 90% of Salvadoran TPS holders are actively engaged in the U.S. labor force.
  • Economic Yield: They contribute $5.4 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually.
  • Tax Contributions: They pay $1.5 billion each year in combined federal, state, and local taxes, funding Social Security and critical public infrastructure.
  • Critical Sectors: They fill vital roles in industries facing acute, ongoing labor shortages—specifically construction (where immigrants make up 28.6% of the workforce), hospitality, manufacturing, transportation, and food services.

We do not yet know how long, but this is a positive development. Keep up the pressure and engagement – and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to join efforts to advocate for these protections, as well as protections for Haitian and other TPS holders; Dreamers; and long-term, hard-working immigrants.

Look out for an upcoming announcement about a legal training for employers about the current landscape on TPS.

Thank you for your efforts,

Rebecca Shi
CEO

ABIC Action