Diaz-Balarts, Ros-Lehtinen Praise Extension Of TPS For Salvadorans

Today, in a meeting with President Antonio Saca of El Salvador, President George W. Bush announced that he has extended Temporary Protective Status (TPS) to Salvadorans living in the U.S. Congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18) and Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL-21) made the following statement:

"The people of El Salvador have undergone serious natural disasters that have weakened the infrastructure and economy of that nation. This is a step in the right direction to helping an important democratic ally in our region get back on its feet." -Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart

"I am pleased that the Administration has extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Salvadorans as it would be a great injustice if they are returned to their native country at a time when they would cause more harm than good with their arrival. I take this opportunity to ask the Administration to also extend the TPS status for Hondurans and Nicaraguans as they find themselves in a similar dire situation." -Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

"I applaud President Bush's decision to extend Temporary Protected Status for Salvadorans. The extension of TPS will not only contribute to the economic and political stability of the region, but also continue to enable the people of El Salvador to receive financial assistance from their relatives in the United States." -Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart

The Members of Congress have been calling on the Bush Administration to grant TPS to El Salvador, and other countries including Nicaragua, Honduras and Haiti, for several years.

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