A coalition of Filipino American groups has issued a call to action to demand that the United States grant temporary protected status (TPS) to undocumented Filipinos in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.
Rappler reports that next Thursday, March 27, has been set aside as the day for supporters to call the State Department expressing support.
TPS would allow undocumented Filipinos to travel freely back and forth from the United States and the Philippines to deal with the emergency. It would also allow them to freely work in the United States.
Such protection has been granted to other groups following natural disasters such as the Haitian earthquake.
A report recommending TPS from the State Department is now on Secretary of State’s John Kerry’s desk.
“We must not let up now. We’re close but we’re not there yet. We need to continue to lobby the US government until TPS is finally approved for the Philippines,” added Jon Melegrito, spokesman of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA).
Those that support TPS are urged to call the US State Department (202-647-6575) on March 27. You should press 4 for the operator and ask for the comment line.
You can read more about these lobbying efforts in Rappler.
