Trump Administration Keeps TPS for Salvadorans—For Now
The Trump administration declined to terminate Temporary Protected Status for roughly 170,000 El Salvadoran immigrants this week, though it hasn't committed to extending the protection beyond this reprieve.
As of September 11, 2026, roughly 170,000 immigrants from El Salvador covered by Temporary Protected Status can still legally work and live in the U.S. for now, after the Trump administration declined to terminate TPS for Salvadorans, even though it has done so for people from other countries like Haiti and Syria. But it also hasn't said whether it will extend the protection in the future.
El Salvador's TPS designation was set to expire on September 9, 2026. Approximately 170,000 people from El Salvador currently hold TPS. This reprieve came as a surprise: the Trump administration has already terminated TPS for 13 countries since taking office in January 2025, affecting roughly 1 million people.
What this means for TPS holders
TPS allows people to live and work legally in the U.S. throughout the duration of their status, but it does not offer a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship. The administration has not yet issued a formal extension notice, leaving many Salvadorans in legal limbo.
If you are a Salvadoran TPS holder or planning to hire one: the status remains valid for now, but no formal announcement of extension has been made. Monitor official DHS channels and immigration legal resources for updates, as the administration could still reverse course. Consult an immigration attorney about alternative pathways to permanent status.
Sources
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