José Palma, a Salvadoran immigrant living in Houston, has been under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) since 2001. TPS is a U.S. immigration policy that allows people from countries facing ongoing crises—such as natural disasters or armed conflict—to remain in the U.S. legally for a set period. Palma has U.S. citizen children and a wife who is a legal permanent resident. TPS protections for Salvadorans were set to expire recently, but the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that they will retain TPS protections, including work authorization, for now until a later announcement is made. However, many Salvadoran TPS holders remain uncertain about the future, particularly regarding expired or soon-to-expire work permits and driver’s licenses. As the national coordinator of the National TPS Alliance, Palma has been advising Salvadoran TPS beneficiaries to avoid panic and make decisions based on official sources, credible community organizations, and established media. He emphasized that the Trump administration has stated that until it announces a decision, Salvadorans with TPS still have protection. One of the biggest points of confusion is whether Salvadoran TPS holders can continue working. DHS has said that people retain protection, but guidance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for employers indicated that certain automatic work permit extensions were valid until September 9. Palma recommended that people keep their USCIS letters, check their myUSCIS account, and seek accredited legal advice before assuming which document applies to their case or employment. Some Salvadoran TPS holders have already been affected. People who applied between January and March 2025 to renew their work permits haven't received them. Some employers have told them not to return to work, and others have told them they can only work until a certain date. Driver’s licenses depend on immigration status, health insurance can be cut off, and loans can be denied—the consequences go far beyond losing immigration protection or a work permit. If the Trump administration decides to end TPS protections for Salvadorans, people don't have to leave the country within 60 days. Palma emphasized that this period is the minimum protection period before a decision can take effect. After that, each person must evaluate their case: there may be a family petition, asylum, another legal process, or an immigration defense. The recommendation is to seek legal evaluation now and not wait for an emergency. Salvadoran TPS holders should be gathering copies of their work permit, TPS certificate, passport, driver’s license, USCIS receipts, birth and marriage certificates, children's medical and school records, proof of employment, and tax returns. Palma also said it's important to identify a licensed immigration attorney or accredited organization. He urged people not to lie on any forms or submit applications for which they don't qualify or give money to people who promise to "fix" their immigration status. Palma also warned against signing documents without understanding them, giving access to bank accounts or personal information to strangers, or trusting a notary as if they were an immigration lawyer. TPS holders should also avoid any legal problems or issues such as driving under the influence of alcohol, using false documents, or committing acts that could jeopardize any future immigration status. When asked what TPS holders should do if they’re stopped or approached by authorities, Palma said the important thing to do is "stay calm." Bringing a copy of your identification or immigration documents can be helpful. If it’s an immigration officer, don’t sign any papers without knowing what they contain or without speaking to a lawyer. Every case is different, but a signature obtained under duress can have serious immigration consequences. The National TPS Alliance estimates that about 170,000 Salvadorans are directly protected by TPS. However, Palma explained that the actual number of people affected is much higher when one includes U.S. citizen children, spouses, employers, churches, businesses, and entire communities. If TPS for Salvadorans is ended, the impact would be immediate in cleaning, hotels, restaurants, kitchens, and construction; there are also Salvadorans with TPS working in transportation, healthcare, and professional occupations. Palma was asked what he tells people who say that TPS is temporary and beneficiaries should return to their countries. He said it's important to understand the history of the program. It has been renewed every 18 months, under both Democratic and Republican administrations, for 25 years. After all this time, we haven't been given an opportunity to apply for permanent status. The question is legal, but also moral: If someone has lived in the United States for 25 years with immigration status, is that really temporary? For many, 25 years is a whole life. The least we deserve is the opportunity to continue our lives, as we have done all these years, but with permanent immigration status. Palma wants Democrats and Republicans to take this issue seriously, reach an agreement, and find a permanent solution.