Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala of the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is pressing the administration to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Salvadorans, arguing that an abrupt termination would upend thousands of lives and ripple through American communities.
In a personal appeal, the bishop—who fled El Salvador's civil war as a young man and once held TPS himself—said he understands the program's limits but stressed the need for an orderly transition. "I understand that Temporary Protected Status was never intended as a permanent immigration status," he wrote. "But I ask that the administration extend it for Salvadorans so they have sufficient time to pursue other lawful alternatives and prepare responsibly for what may come."
Menjivar-Ayala, who was ordained a bishop in 2023 and now leads the diocese covering all of West Virginia, described the fear he has witnessed among Salvadoran TPS holders in recent months. "The fear that decades of lawful life in this country may end not gradually, but suddenly," he said. He emphasized that many have deep roots: they own homes, run businesses, and are parents of U.S. citizen children.
The bishop's call comes as the administration weighs the future of TPS for roughly 200,000 Salvadorans, a decision that could have broad economic consequences. Industries such as construction, hospitality, agriculture, and elder care rely heavily on these workers, and their sudden departure would create labor shortages, he argued.
He also pointed to the impact on El Salvador, noting that while the country has made security gains, it is not prepared to absorb a large influx of returnees. "Receiving large numbers of people presently employed and established in the U.S. would present serious economic and social challenges," he wrote.
Menjivar-Ayala acknowledged the administration's authority over immigration enforcement, saying, "I do not write as a political actor, nor do I dispute the right and responsibility of this nation to order its borders and enforce its laws." But he urged Congress to act, saying only lawmakers can provide a permanent solution for people who have lived and contributed for decades.
The bishop's appeal adds a moral voice to the ongoing debate over TPS, which has also drawn attention from immigration advocates and some lawmakers. Meanwhile, the administration has faced criticism over its border policies, including a recent lawsuit over a border patrol shooting and allegations of diverting border funds for ads.
For Salvadorans, the stakes are personal. Menjivar-Ayala concluded, "I respectfully urge an extension of Temporary Protected Status and a compassionate, orderly transition for the sons and daughters of El Salvador."
