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Many Hondurans, Nicaraguans Not Renewing Guest Permits
There are other reasons, too, according to immigration advocates, diplomats and TPS applicants. Some Hondurans and Nicaraguans have run out of money because people with TPS had to pay federal income taxes in April.
Others are concerned that the United States might stop the program or give preference to other immigrant populations. If they renew, they fear that authorities will know their whereabouts and deport them. Others are concerned that if they have the permits, they might not be eligible for a future guest worker plan.
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TPS is intended to help immigrants who have difficulty returning to their homelands because of civil conflict or natural disaster. The current permits expire July 5 and must to be renewed by the end of today.
In recent weeks, senior Honduran and Nicaraguan diplomats have traveled to cities with large populations from their countries, giving radio, television and newspaper interviews urging people to renew. In Honduras, the government has called upon citizens, through commercials and posters, to urge their relatives in the United States to renew their permits, Hernandez said.
U.S. immigration officials rejected an official request for an extension of today's deadline, he said. Yesterday, Honduran consulates across the nation were advised to find post offices that closed late today. Consular officials say they are expecting a last minute rush.
But the question on many minds is: How many?
The Rev. Brian Jordan of the Franciscan Immigration Center in New York City has urged Hondurans and Nicaraguans to renew their permits for weeks. Yesterday, four Hondurans and five Nicaraguans turned up at his center to get help.
"It's not a lot, but it's better than a month ago, when there was none," Jordan said.
Today, he's praying for more applicants.
"On this last day, I hope they realize this false optimism needs to be pushed away and be replaced with a reality check," Jordan said. "I just hope they get their facts straight and not get swayed about what TPS is or is not."
