Ending Salvadoran TPS with plans to deport nearly 200,000 upstanding immigrants who work hard, pay taxes, and contribute to the fiber of our communities is more than unjustified, unnecessary, and inhumane; it’s also reckless and irresponsible. On the heels of the decisions to also end TPS for Nicaraguans and Haitians, this is part of the administration’s continuum of cruelty.

This nation invited TPS holders here. We offered them safe refuge. Despite the traumas some have left behind and the challenge of starting over in a new country, they have done what Americans do. They roll up their sleeves, work hard, care for their families, contribute to their communities, and put in the effort to pursue the American dream. This decision punishes them for simply accepting our extended hand. Now that they’ve put down roots, purchased homes, become valuable employees, and opened businesses, this administration for no good reason has decided to rip their lives apart.

In short, these are scary, chaotic times, and I, unfortunately, cannot promise that everything will be ok. But I can promise our residents or anyone that finds themselves or a loved one fighting against these cold-hearted and craven immigration policies, that they will not have to fight alone. Somerville stands with you, and as the Mayor, I will continue to stand with you for as long as it takes.

We will do everything we can to fight this decision. At the same time, we are working to assist members of our community who are or who will be affected. We will continue to offer free legal clinics to help people explore pathways to a different immigration status while also working with a variety of community groups to determine how else we can best support our friends, neighbors and colleagues.

Immigrants are invaluable members of our community. We must continue to make it clear that the lies and policies coming out of Washington intended to demonize them and harm our nation will not be tolerated. We will continue to fight for true American values and common human decency. We will continue to rally behind our neighbors and treat everyone with compassion and dignity. For as long as it takes, we will continue to stand up for TPS recipients, DACA recipients, and all members of our immigrant communities, regardless of status.

 ~Mayor Joseph Curtatone