Cortez Masto Cosponsors Legislation to Provide Legal Status to TPS Recipients

WASHINGTON, March 26 -- The office of Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to introduce the SECURE Act, which would allow eligible Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients to apply for lawful permanent resident status.

"Immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) fled civil unrest, natural disasters and armed conflict in their native countries in order to build a better life for themselves and their children in the United States. Instead of honoring the countless contributions they have made to our country, President Trump is destroying families and damaging our economy by rolling back TPS protections for thousands of hardworking immigrants in Nevada and across the country. I'm proud to cosponsor this legislation to keep families together and ensure a path to citizenship for the TPS recipients who have been working and contributing to our communities for decades."

In addition to Senators Cortez Masto, Van Hollen, Cardin, Feinstein, and Kaine, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) also cosponsored this legislation.

BACKGROUND:

The SECURE Act gives TPS recipients who are unable to safely return to their home country because of ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster, or other extraordinary circumstances a pathway to citizenship. This legislation would allow current and past TPS recipients who have lived in the U.S. for at least 3 years to adjust their status and apply for legal permanent residency. It gives TPS recipients authorization to work while their application is being processed and allows for spouses and children to adjust their status as well.