January 18, 2001 INS Temporarily Suspends Removals of Salvadoran Nationals To El Salvador to Aid Earthquake Relief Efforts WASHINGTON – The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) announced it has temporarily suspended the removal of Salvadoran nationals presently in the United States. This action was taken to assist the Salvadoran government in the recovery from the devastating earthquake that occurred over the weekend in El Salvador. The temporary suspension of removals will remain in effect until the United States determines that El Salvador is able to accept its nationals once again. INS is aware that the Salvadoran government has made a request to the United States government to consider Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Salvadorans currently residing in the United States. The Attorney General, after consultation with INS and the Department of State, will evaluate the request and make a final decision. As of January 3, 2001, INS estimates that approximately 1,100 Salvadorans were in INS custody awaiting repatriation to El Salvador. – INS –