Trump terminates TPS for El Salvador, affecting 195,000 holders

DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announces the termination of Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador, affecting approximately 195,000 Salvadoran nationals — the largest single TPS population in the United States. El Salvador's designation dates to 2001 following a pair of devastating earthquakes. Nielsen states the country has "sufficiently recovered" to no longer qualify. The termination is set to take effect September 9, 2019, giving holders 18 months to depart or adjust status. A federal court later blocks implementation. El Salvador's case joins Haiti and Nicaragua in litigation that tests whether TPS terminations violate due process and equal protection — establishing the legal battleground that Yemen TPS holders will later invoke when Noem terminates their status without required review.