COLUMBIA HEIGHTS – COPAL is building momentum for federal legislation that would grant temporary immigration relief for Ecuadorians in the United States. The city of Columbia Heights, Minnesota will hold a vote on a resolution to support Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ecuador thanks to the relentless advocacy of the TPS Collective. Comprised of COPAL Members, these frontline community leaders in the Collective have been instrumental in propelling the upcoming vote in Columbia Heights and mobilizing support for Ecuadorian immigrants.
Ecuadorians are being forced to flee their home because of a number of traumatic issues, including widespread instability, violent political unrest, and an ongoing armed conflict in their country. In Minnesota, the number of asylum cases in immigration court originating from Ecuador jumped by 900% in the last five years. Minnesota now has the 10th highest Ecuadorian population in the United States.
To ensure temporary immigration protections for Ecuadorians in Minnesota, our city council members must call on the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The department has the power to designate a country for TPS when conditions prevent that country’s nationals from returning safely, as is the case with Ecuador.
Granting TPS for Ecuador will enable the immigrant Ecuadorian community to contribute to the workforce and economy of the State of Minnesota. COPAL Members will be present at the city council meeting to express support for the measure and encourage a positive vote, emphasizing the importance of this legislation and urging other Minnesota cities to follow suit.
WHO: COPAL MN
WHERE:Columbia Heights City Hall, 3989 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421; Watch the livestream here
WHAT: COPAL urges Columbia Heights City Council to support Temporary Protected Status for Ecuador
WHEN: Monday, May 13th, 6 p.m.
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COPAL Minnesota is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization driven to make social, political, and economic change for Minnesota’s Latine communities. For more information, please visit www.copalmn.org.