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Ellison on Trump's Decision to End Protected Status For 200,000 Salvadorans

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) issued the following statement after it was announced that President Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen would end Temporary Protected Status for approximately 200,000 Salvadorans seeking refuge in the United States:

WASHINGTON

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) issued the following statement after it was announced that President Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen would end Temporary Protected Status for approximately 200,000 Salvadorans seeking refuge in the United States:

"President Trump's heartless decision to upend the lives of nearly 200,000 Salvadorans has no rational justification. Deporting these Salvadorans, who have lived here for a minimum of 17 years, is a choice driven by Trump's compulsion to turn us against our neighbors. As with his decisions to end protections for Nicaraguan and Haitian immigrants last year, today the president has chosen anti-immigrant bigotry over sensible and humane policy.

It tears at the conscience of our nation to send these families back to El Salvador, a country widely regarded as one of the most violent in the world. Those of us devastated by today's decision must now join together against this administration's attacks. I will continue to stand with immigrant communities and our allies to ensure Congress does the right thing and provides legal status for these countless families."

Rep. Keith Ellison has represented the Fifth Congressional District of Minnesota in the U.S. House of Representatives since taking office on January 4, 2007. The Fifth Congressional District is the most vibrant and diverse district in Minnesota with a rich history and traditions. The Fifth District includes the City of Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs.