Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ecuador Act of 2024
Impact
The bill acknowledges the significant deterioration of safety conditions in Ecuador, where the homicide rate surged from five per 100,000 inhabitants in 2017 to 45 in 2023, attributed to organized crime and drug trafficking. With many Ecuadorians, particularly those who have continuously resided in the U.S. since the bill's enactment, potentially qualifying for TPS, it seeks to alleviate immediate risks to these individuals' lives while granting them the opportunity to support their families without the fear of deportation.
Summary
House Bill 7371, known as the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ecuador Act of 2024, proposes the designation of Ecuador under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing eligible Ecuadorian nationals residing in the U.S. to apply for temporary protected status. This status would provide protection from deportation and the ability to work legally in the United States. The need for this bill stems from the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Ecuador, which has led to a mass exodus of citizens seeking safety and stability.
Contention
While proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect Ecuadorian nationals amid a dire humanitarian situation, there may be political debate regarding immigration policy, costs associated with granting TPS, and the long-term implications of such a designation on U.S.-Ecuador relations. The bill's introduction was prompted by the Ecuadorian government's appeals for U.S. intervention in response to rising violence, particularly in light of recent high-profile assassinations linked to organized crime.
Commending the people of Ecuador on holding successful elections, and expressing the sense of Congress that the United States must strengthen its cooperation with the Government of Ecuador.
Recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in countering the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024.