Washington D.C., Nov 10, 2017 / 11:27 am
Extending Honduran migrants' protected status is the "right thing to do" because of the dangerous situation in their country, the U.S. bishops have said.
Hondurans with temporary protected status have "deep ties to our communities, parishes, and country," said Bishop Joe Vásquez of Austin, who chairs the U.S. bishops' Committee on Migration.
"They are businesses owners, successful professionals, home owners, parents of U.S. citizen children, and most importantly, children of God," he said Nov. 8. "We must find a solution for these individuals and their families, and we stand ready to support Congress in its effort to do so."
An estimated 57,000 Hondurans' protected status was automatically extended through July 5, 2018 after the Department of Homeland Security announced Nov. 6 that it needed more time to assess conditions in their country.