MINNEAPOLIS – COPAL is building momentum for federal legislation that would grant temporary immigration relief for Ecuadorians in the United States. The organization will hold a press conference on Wednesday, May 1st, at 11 a.m. to urge Minnesota leaders to support Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ecuador.
Ecuadorians are being forced to flee their home because of a number of traumatic issues, including widespread instability, violent political unrest, and an ongoing armed conflict in their country. In Minnesota, the number of asylum cases in immigration court originating from Ecuador jumped by 900% in the last five years. Minnesota now has the 10th highest Ecuadorian population in the United States.
To ensure temporary immigration protections for Ecuadorians in Minnesota, our city council members, beginning with those in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, must call on the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The department has the power to designate a country for TPS when conditions prevent that country’s nationals from returning safely, as is the case with Ecuador.
Granting TPS for Ecuador will enable the immigrant Ecuadorian community to contribute to the workforce and economy of the State of Minnesota. COPAL Members will be joined by city officials and TPS advocates to talk more about the importance of this legislation and to encourage more Minnesota cities to take action.
WHO: COPAL MN
WHERE: Centro de Trabajadores Primero de Mayo, 3521 E. Lake St. Minneapolis, MN 55406; Watch the livestream here.
WHAT: COPAL urges Minnesota cities to support Temporary Protected Status for Ecuador
WHEN: Wednesday, May 1st, 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
COPAL Minnesota is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization driven to make social, political, and economic change in the Minnesotan Latine Community. For more information, please visit www.copalmn.org.
