Refugee Congress Statement on SANCHEZ v. MAYORKAS Ruling

For Immediate Release: June 10, 2021

WASHINGTON- On Monday, June 7, the Supreme Court ruled that thousands of people living in the U.S. for humanitarian reasons are ineligible to apply to become permanent residents. The ruling means that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders cannot use adjustment of status to obtain green cards without first having to leave the U.S.

“With this decision, the Supreme Court sets us back in our effort to restore U.S. global humanitarian leadership and continue to be a place of refuge for those seeking safety. This is unacceptable, and we strongly urge the Administration to take immediate action to provide permanent safety for TPS holders,” said Nili Sarit Yossinger, Refugee Congress Executive Director.

Individuals who are TPS holders face unique barriers because of the very nature of having only temporary protection. They have built homes and communities in the U.S., and most will face harm if they return to their home countries, but this ruling re-enforces barriers to establishing a pathway to permanent status in the US. 

Without a pathway, people are stuck living in limbo. This decision will leave thousands of individuals who have escaped war, natural disasters and unsafe conditions to face deportation and leave behind the lives they have built here in the United States.

As an organization built and led by refugees and asylum-seekers, Refugee Congress knows firsthand the importance of a humane protection system and policies that provide safety and welcome for those fleeing violence and persecution.

Refugee Congress calls upon the Biden Administration to use every day before the ruling goes into effect to assist TPS holders who are awaiting their decision, and Congress to allocate resources and efforts in order to protect TPS holders affected by this decision.

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Refugee Congress is a nonpartisan advocacy organization built and led by former refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable migrants to promote the well-being, integration and dignity of all vulnerable migrants. With delegates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, we use our voices and experiences to inform and influence decision-makers on critical domestic and international issues that affect our communities.

MEDIA CONTACT: (202) 905-6238, media@refugeecongress.org