32BJ SEIU Applauds Court Decision Extending Protection for Thousands of Immigrants from Honduras, Nicaragua and Nepal

NEW YORK — Yesterday, a federal court granted a motion to stop the Trump administration from terminating protection for more than 60,000 nationals from Honduras, Nicaragua and Nepal at least until November 18. On that date, the court will hear arguments on the merits of a lawsuit by the National TPS Alliance, National TPS Alliance v. Noem, which is seeking to protect individuals from those countries living and working legally in the United States with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The administration sought to end TPS on September 8 for recipients from Honduras and Nicaragua and on August 5 for recipients from Nepal, which would have made tens of thousands of residents who have lived and worked legally in the United States for at least a decade subject to detention and deportation.

“We warmly welcome the decision to temporarily halt the termination of TPS for Hondurans, Nicaraguans, and Nepalis, and we applaud the National TPS Alliance for their brave and resilient efforts in protecting thousands of our neighbors and co-workers, including many members of our union across the East Coast,” said 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich. “This ruling provides a critical reprieve, and we will do all that we can to stop the ending of TPS and move Congress to create a path to permanent residency for TPS recipients.”

“This decision gives me the hope and courage to keep going,” said Florida 32BJ member Maria Elena Hernandez, a plaintiff in the lawsuit and recipient of TPS from Nicaragua. “It shows that when we fight together, we can win. Continuing TPS is the just and humane thing to do—for me and for the hundreds of thousands of others who live and work here, and who fear being forced to return to countries that are still not secure. I’m deeply grateful to the US for providing a safe haven for me for more than two decades. I love this country, I believe in what it stands for, and I will keep fighting to stay here with my only surviving brother, contributing to the community I call home.”

32BJ President Pastreich added, “The lawsuit by the National TPS Alliance is but one example of the countless ways that immigrants have always fought to reclaim their dignity. At 32BJ SEIU, we are proud to stand with María Elena and with so many other TPS holders who want nothing more than to continue living and contributing to this nation. The Trump administration is going after people who keep our country running — people who start small businesses, care for our children and elders, make our airports and hospitals safe, and put food on America’s table. Most Americans understand the value of their contributions. The tide is turning; Americans are standing up and saying, ‘We didn’t vote for this.’ Together, we will win our nation back for all of us.”

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With more than 185,000 members across 12 states and D.C., 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country. 32BJ SEIU members hail from 64 different countries and speak 28 different languages.