By James P. Economos, DDS, Opinion Contributor
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was established in 1990 to provide humanitarian relief for people whose home countries were affected by armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. El Salvador was the first nation to benefit from this policy.
Since then, TPS has offered safety and opportunity to tens of thousands of people fleeing devastation and uncertainty.
In 1998, Hurricane Mitch – a Category 5 storm – ravaged parts of Central America, particularly Honduras and Nicaragua. The storm’s destruction was catastrophic: in Honduras alone, 1.5 million people were left homeless, affecting nearly 25% of the country’s population. As a result, over 150,000 people from Honduras and Nicaragua were granted TPS in the United States.
This wasn’t just compassion – it was common sense.
TPS recipients can live and work legally in the U.S. They can pay taxes, own property, and contribute to their communities. The only major restriction is that they cannot vote. In effect, TPS functions similarly to permanent legal status or a Green Card – except that it requires renewal every 6 to 18 months, depending on political decisions.
My personal connection to this issue runs deep.
My ex-wife is from Honduras and originally came here under TPS. She has since become a U.S. citizen and is now an active member of her community – including as a Trump supporter. We raised two daughters together who are now 21 and 22.
I also have two close friends from Honduras who arrived here under TPS after the hurricane. One of them owns a home, holds a commercial driver’s license, and has three children. He’s an upstanding, law-abiding citizen who’s worked hard to raise his kids with strong values. His 10-year-old daughter shows extraordinary promise as a gymnast – so much so that she may one day compete in the Olympics.
Studies have consistently shown that the TPS population has lower-than-average crime rates.
That aligns with my own experience.
The people I know who came here under TPS are kind, responsible, and proud contributors to American society. For them, this country is home.
Now, with the recent announcement that TPS protections will end for many of these long-term residents, I believe we must stand up and say: this is wrong.
Forcing these individuals to leave would not only upend their lives but also create chaos – what happens to their children, their homes, their businesses? Many have built decades of stability here. To deport them now would be cruel, disruptive, and deeply unfair.
The same logic applies to DACA recipients.
These young people were brought here as children. They’ve grown up American in every way but paperwork. Many have gone on to serve in the military, attend college, and contribute to our economy and culture. They should not be punished for decisions they didn’t make.
My proposal is simple: grant permanent legal status to long-term TPS and DACA recipients. They have already shown they can thrive and contribute under TPS – it’s time we recognize their role in America and offer the permanence they deserve. Unlike TPS, which must be renewed frequently, permanent status offers dignity and security without the constant fear of policy reversals.
It’s important to distinguish between long-standing TPS holders and the broader immigration challenges we face today. There’s been criticism of how the system has been managed under recent administrations, including concerns over expanded use of TPS. But we must not allow that to tarnish the reputation of those who’ve been here for decades, followed the rules, and made a life for themselves in the U.S.
We are a compassionate nation, and that compassion must be rooted in fairness and common sense. The long-term TPS and DACA communities are not strangers – they are our neighbors, coworkers, and friends. They have earned the right to stay.
Let’s give them that chance.
