Woodside, Queens – New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga joined Assemblymember Catalina Cruz and other New York elected officials in a letter calling on the Trump Administration to designate Colombia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) following the devastating August 10 earthquake.

The letter, generated by Assemblymember Cruz, calls on the Department of Homeland Security to grant Colombia an initial 18-month TPS designation, providing temporary protection to eligible Colombian nationals already living in the United States while the country recovers from the disaster.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, with its epicenter in Chocó and impacts extending to Cali, Pereira, Quibdó, Manizales and surrounding communities. At least 265 people have died, nearly 500 remain missing, thousands have been injured and more than 25,800 families have been affected, according to the letter.

“I’m proud to stand with Assemblymember Cruz and our colleagues in calling for Temporary Protected Status for Colombia,” said Assemblymember Raga. “I represent the third-largest Colombian community of any Assembly district in New York, and I know how deeply the devastation from this earthquake is being felt by families here in Queens. Our Colombian neighbors should not have to fear being sent back to a country still recovering from this disaster. TPS will give families the stability they need while Colombia rebuilds, and I thank Catalina for leading this effort."

“Temporary Protected Status is a lifeline for families who have built their homes and contributed to our communities here in New York,” said Assemblymember Cruz. "For many TPS holders, the United States is and always has been home. They should not have to live every day with the fear that the protections that allow them to live and work safely could be taken away. TPS holders deserve stability, dignity, and the opportunity to continue contributing to the places they call home. We must stand with them, protect their families, and ensure that no one is forced to return to a country where they may face danger, instability, or a lack of opportunity.”

TPS is a temporary humanitarian protection and does not itself provide permanent residency or citizenship. The letter asks the Administration to designate Colombia for TPS for the maximum initial period of 18 months, establish a continuous-residence date protecting Colombian nationals residing in the United States on or before August 10, and provide clear, multilingual guidance on eligibility, registration and employment authorization.