Thread: Gov. Bush supports extension of TPS for Salvadoran illegals

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/ ... 2392.story

Gov. Bush supports extension of U.S. stay for Salvadoran migrants

The Associated Press
Posted November 21 2005, 6:22 PM EST

CORAL GABLES -- Gov. Jeb Bush offered support Monday for Salvadoran President Tony Saca's effort to convince the federal government to allow Salvadorans here illegally to remain in the United States in the wake of Hurricane Stan.

Many immigrants from El Salvador received the temporary permission in 2001 after a massive earthquake flattened thousands of homes in the Central American country. Saca wants that temporary protected status to extend to Salvadorans whose families were affected by Stan, which ripped through Central America in October and led to the deaths of nearly 1,000 people.

"I think it has merit, principally because we have not reformed our immigration laws, which we need to do," Bush said of Saca's request. "Until we do so, there needs to be some recognition of status for people who've been here for many, many years."

Bush added that El Salvador should be commended, and possibly rewarded, for being the only country in Latin America to keep its troops in Iraq.

"While there shouldn't be a quid pro quo, to show support for someone who has stuck his neck out for freedom and our country is well worth the effort," he said.

Bush offered his support during a press conference following his appearance with Saca at a meeting with Florida business leaders to promote free trade.

During the meeting, Saca also urged U.S. and Central American leaders to begin implementing the Central American Free Trade Agreement by January 1. CAFTA, which was narrowly approved by the U.S. Congress earlier this year, has been ratified by the Dominican Republic and all Central American countries except Costa Rica.

Saca said he remains confident the hemispheric free trade agreement will become a reality, despite opposition from Argentina, Brasil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela at last month's Summit of the Americas. And he pledged his support for making Miami the permanent headquarters for the organization that would oversee the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas.

"I am very optimistic that the FTAA will be a reality," he said, "the critical mass of countries believe in free trade."

At the end of his speech, Saca reminded those assembled of Salvador's unflagging support for the war in Iraq and called for immigration reform, but didn't refer directly to his recent requests for extending the temporary protection.

The 2000 Census estimated about 600,000 Salvadorans live in the United States, but Salvadoran officials say the number is much higher. The U.S. government estimates about 290,000 Salvadorans have received the protected status.

If they're under TPS, then they're not illegal.