PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
October 5, 2026

Contact: press@alianzaamericas.org / (773) 638-4278

Chicago, IL. It has been more than 80 days since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made a decision regarding the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador, even though the law requires it to do so at least 60 days before the program’s expiration date. To date, the corresponding official notice has not been published.

The notice issued on September 9, 2026, does not constitute a formal extension because it does not establish a new effective date nor does it provide clear instructions to employers and state agencies regarding employment authorization and immigration status verification.

This lack of clarity has real consequences. Salvadorans with TPS face difficulties renewing their driver’s licenses, verifying their work authorization, and proving their status to state agencies. Depending on the state, driving with an expired license can expose them to fines, vehicle impoundment, or other legal consequences. In jurisdictions with 287(g) agreements, an interaction with local authorities can also increase the risk of a person coming into contact with ICE.

This limbo is neither a positive outcome nor does it represent time gained for people with TPS. It is uncertainty. Salvadorans with TPS need clear answers so they can make decisions. DHS, for its part, must comply with the law and stop shifting the consequences of its inaction onto families.

Every day without a clear decision puts at risk the jobs, driver’s licenses, and stability of people who have built their lives in the United States for more than 25 years. We urge DHS to act immediately and extend the TPS designation for El Salvador.

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Alianza Americas is a transnational network of migrant-led organizations in the United States. We advocate for social justice, equity, and human rights in the Americas.

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