North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Chair of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, joined representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Joaquín Castro (D-TX), and Maxwell Frost (D-FL) in a letter to officials in the Biden Administration urging them to redesignate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nicaragua.

"The blood-stained regime of Ortega-Murillo and the Sandinistas are responsible for some of the worst human rights abuses and acts of religious persecution in history," said Congresswoman Salazar. "Hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans have fled this tyranny and seek refuge in the United States. I call on the Department of Homeland Security to redesignate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nicaraguans who continue to flee Ortega, the Sandinistas, and the horrors of 21st-century socialism."

According to the Pew Research Center, Florida has the highest concentration of Nicaraguans in the country, with an estimated 37% of the Nicaraguan population residing in the United States living in the state. The redesignation would provide security and opportunities for thousands of Nicaraguans living in the United States who are currently in legal limbo.

The brutal regime of Ortega-Murillo has a history of human rights violations against the Nicaraguan people, especially those who practice the Catholic faith. The brutality of the regime makes the redesignation of TPS for Nicaraguans in the United States even more urgent.

"Nicaragua is embroiled in a severe sociopolitical and humanitarian crisis that has worsened significantly," said Representative Cherfilus-McCormick. "Nicaraguans residing in the United States cannot safely return to their country, and it would be irresponsible and cruel to send them back into danger. I strongly urge the Biden Administration to redesignate TPS for Nicaragua and uphold the values of democracy, human rights, and compassion of our nation."

"As the Ortega-Murillo regime becomes increasingly authoritarian and brutal, there is no safe way for hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans to return home," said Representative Castro. "Redesignating TPS for Nicaragua will save lives and protect families who have fled oppression and violence to find refuge in the United States."

"Nicaragua is facing a devastating political and humanitarian crisis that is forcing hundreds of thousands of innocent people to make the difficult decision to leave their homes in search of true freedom," said Representative Frost. "As a beacon of democracy, the United States has a responsibility to recognize this crisis and offer a more permanent solution for the thousands of Nicaraguans living in Florida and throughout our country. An extension of TPS falls short of what this moment requires. I urge the Administration to redesignate TPS for Nicaragua as soon as possible."

"We commend the Biden Administration's decision to redesignate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans in the United States. However, an 18-month extension of TPS for Nicaragua instead of a redesignation falls short in the necessary response to address the ongoing and emerging multiple crises," the congress members stated.

"We hope that the Biden Administration continues to evaluate the situation and ultimately makes the right decision in light of the impact it would have on approximately 450,000 Nicaraguans in the United States. On September 11, 2023, Secretary Mayorkas stated that the Department of Homeland Security has 'no intention at this time to redesignate Nicaragua for Temporary Protected Status,' but added that they 'continuously review conditions in the country.'"

"We hope that a more detailed examination of the grave humanitarian situation in Nicaragua and the uncertainty facing thousands of people residing in the United States – including over 200 who have become stateless – will lead to the conclusion that the redesignation of TPS is necessary for Nicaragua. In view of this and the deterioration of the rule of law, we urgently request the Administration to redesignate TPS for Nicaragua," the congress members declared.

Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar is a leading voice in the cause of freedom for the Nicaraguan people from the clutches of the Ortega-Murillo criminal regime. This year alone, she has taken vital steps to hold the regime accountable and support Nicaraguan exiles abroad through the Nicaraguan Political Prisoners Support Act.

There are 450,000 Nicaraguans living in the United States, and Congresswoman Salazar represents over 30,000 of them in Florida's 27th Congressional District.

To learn more, click on this link: https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-insta-la-administracion-biden-redesignar-el-tps-para