WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following President Donald Trump’s meeting with Salvadoran President, Nayib Bukele, just weeks before the work permits of thousands of Salvadorans protected by Temporary Protected Status (TPS) expire, Rebecca Shi, CEO of American Business Immigration Coalition Action, (ABIC Action) and Salvadoran business leaders, issued the following statement:
“Hundreds of thousands of Salvadoran TPS holders and their families have built their lives in our communities. A decision to end the status of the more than 170,000 vetted, tax-paying workers with just 60 days’ notice would have devastating consequences for American businesses and our economy. Salvadoran TPS holders have built businesses, bought homes, and raised more than 150,000 U.S.-citizen children. Abruptly forcing them out of the workforce will compound chronic labor shortages, severely impact American businesses and drive up costs for every American consumer. Salvadoran TPS holders contribute $5.4 billion to the U.S. GDP annually and pay $1.5 billion in federal, state, and local taxes every year.
The President has the authority to reinstate these protections and should do so before work permits expire. It is time for Congress to pass lasting solutions for long-term TPS holders who have earned their place in our communities, such as the bipartisan Dignity Act of 2025. A permanent solution for these workers is needed to protect American jobs, support U.S. businesses, and preserve the stability of our national economy. We hope that both the President and President Bukele come to a logical and economically sound agreement that maintains our country’s security and economic stability.” Rebecca Shi, CEO of American Business Immigration Coalition Action (ABIC Action)
“I came to the United States as a child from El Salvador. Decades later, I built the nation’s first female Hispanic-owned waste removal company. My story is a testament to the American Dream, and so are the stories of the thousands of Salvadoran TPS holders who work hard, contribute to their communities, and pay taxes every day. They deserve the opportunity to remain and continue working legally in this country. Their families, our communities, and our economy are stronger because of their presence and contributions.” Maria Rios, President and CEO, Nation Waste Inc.
“Many of my team members are on Temporary Protected Status. If TPS for El Salvador is allowed to expire, it would be a disaster for my restaurant, the food service industry, and our communities. I’ve already seen the fear and worry that a lack of long-term solutions creates. One former employee had to leave the country with her American citizen children after her asylum case was denied. Another coworker left despite having legal work authorization in the United States after living in fear became too much. We build a stronger America by welcoming hard workers into the country, not by turning them away. ” Carlos Raba, Owner, Clavel Mezcaleria
Deep Economic Impacts Loom
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), more than 170,000 Salvadorans are TPS beneficiaries. Ninety percent of these TPS holders participate in the U.S. labor force. They contribute $5.4 billion to the U.S. GDP annually and pay $1.5 billion in federal, state, and local taxes every year. Salvadoran TPS holders fill essential roles in industries facing acute labor shortages, including hospitality, manufacturing, transportation, food services and construction, where immigrants make up 28.6% of the workforce.