Act Now for Yemeni TPS Holders

Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, currently protects over 1,000 people from the war and crisis Yemen, which the United Nations recently called the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Brutal conflict, relentless air strikes, mass starvation and one of the largest cholera epidemics ever recorded—with over 1.1 million cases—makes the safe return of Yemeni TPS holders impossible at this time.

The Department of Homeland Security’s decision on TPS for Yemen is due by July 5, 2018.

In a series of recent decisions, DHS has rolled back TPS protections for more than 300,000 people and failed to redesignate TPS for Syria. Yemenis should not be added to this list. Today, on the National Day of Action for Yemen, we must send the message loud and clear that DHS must grant the maximum protection possible under the law—18 month extension and redesignation to allow more recently arrived Yemenis to apply for protection through TPS.

Here’s what you can do TODAY to stand with Yemeni TPS holders!:

1)    Call the DHS comment line at 202-282-8495

2)    Under the TPS law, DHS Secretary Nielsen must make a decision regarding TPS for Yemen by July 5. Call DHS today to share your support for an extension AND redesignation.

Sample script:

My name is [NAME]. I am calling to urge Secretary Nielsen to protect Yemeni Temporary Protected Status holders, who are at risk of being returned to the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Yemen where people face risk of violence, cholera and starvation. The facts are clear: no one can return to Yemen safely at this time. Secretary Nielsen must respond by granting an 18-month extension of TPS as well as redesignation in order to allow more people and families to apply for protection.

3)    Call your representatives

Your representatives need to hear from you that ending TPS for Yemen at this time is unacceptable. Find your Congressional representative’s contact information here and call them before July 5!

Sample script:

My name is [NAME] and I am your constituent residing at [ADDRESS]. I am calling to urge [NAME OF REPRESENTATIVE OR SENATOR] to protect Yemeni Temporary Protected Status holders, who are at risk of being returned to the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Yemen where people face risk of violence, cholera and starvation. I ask that [NAME OF REPRESENTATIVE OR SENATOR] call or write a letter to the Department of Homeland Security in support of an 8-month extension and redesignation of TPS for Yemen prior to the July 5, 2018 decision deadline. I also urge [NAME OF REPRESENTATIVE OR SENATOR] to work to put in place a permanent legislative solution to protect Yemeni TPS holders and their families.

4)    Spread the word on social media

Tweet…

TPS exists to save lives by protecting people from being returned to life-threatening situations. Ending TPS for Yemen would risk lives and tear families apart. Tell @DHSgov, extend and redesignate #YemenTPS! #SaveTPS

Bombings at schools and hospital, mass starvation, and a widespread cholera crisis continue in #Yemen. Ending TPS would be unthinkable. @DHSgov #SaveTPS

The @StateDept’s January 2018 travel advisory confirms that “No part of Yemen is safe from violence.” We cannot send over 1,000 people back into life-threatening situations. Extend and redesignate #YemenTPS! #SaveTPS

.@DHSgov, @StateDept, we cannot in good conscience send over 1,000 Yemenis back to an ongoing war zone to face a potential death sentence. Extend and redesignate #YemenTPS. #SaveTPS

🚨URGENT: Take action now! Call your legislators at (202) 224-3121, and ask them to issue a statement in support of extending and redesignating #TPS for #Yemen. ☎️

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