Statement from Mayor Bill de Blasio on Temporary Protected Status for Ecuadorians in the United States

April 27, 2016

“In the wake of a devastating earthquake – which left over 650 people dead and more than 16,000 wounded – thousands in Ecuador are struggling with displacement. For Ecuadorians living in the United States, their hearts and minds are with the loved ones back home struggling to reach emergency assistance and rebuild their communities. New York City alone is home to nearly 140,000 Ecuadorian immigrants. Many of these New Yorkers face additional uncertainty about whether it is safe for them to return to Ecuador at this time. We must extend whatever support we can at this critical moment. I call upon the Department of Homeland Security to designate Temporary Protected Status for Ecuadorian New Yorkers and all Ecuadorians currently in the United States so that families will not live in fear of being removed from the U.S. while their home country begins to rebuild after this loss.”