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 INS RECEIVES MORE APPLICATIONS THAN EXPECTED FROM SALVADORANS FOLLOWING EARTHQUAKES
When Salvadoran nationals in the US were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the wake of the earthquakes that devastated the county last March, INS officials expected about 150,000 people to apply. The number that has actually applied is more than 160,000. TPS gives applicants work authorization, as well as temporary protection from deportation.
Working Salvadorans are expected to send more than one billion dollars home, money TPS advocates believe will aid tremendously in rebuilding the country. Millions of dollars in damage was caused by the earthquakes, and more than 1,000 people were killed.
Experts expect more than 250,000 people to eventually apply for TPS during the 18 months in which it is available. To qualify for TPS, the applicant must have been in the US since March 9. People with a felony conviction, or two misdemeanor convictions, as well as others who would be ineligible for asylum, are not eligible for TPS.
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