US receives PH request for TPS – DFA

DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez, said Wednesday the United States government has received the Philippines’ request for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

TPS has been sought by the Philippines for undocumented Filipinos currently living in the US while the country continues to grapple with the devastation wrought by Supertyphoon ‘‘Yolanda’’ (International name: Haiyan).

In an interview over Inquirer Radio 990AM, Hernandez said the request was received last Friday as relayed by US Secretary of State John Kerry who is visiting the Philippines for bilateral talks.

Kerry also visited typhoon devastated Tacloban City  Wednesday morning.

“Kapag na-approve ito, yung mga Pilipino na undocumented sa Estados Unidos ay makakapag-trabaho sa US para matulungan nila mga pamilya nila sa Pilipinas,” Hernandez explained, noting that they will be given authorization to work for roughly 6 to 18 months.

(If this is approved, undocumented Filipinos in the United States can work there so they can help their families here in the Philippines.)

He said the request is still being processed, but no definite date was given by the United States as to when the decision will be released.

Meanwhile, Hernandez also reported that apart from the status of the Philippines’ TPS request, President Benigno Aquino III and Kerry also discussed the US’ support for the country’s maritime security.

He said US allotted $40 million to intensify the country’s maritime security, as well as to enhance the Philippines’ law enforcement capabilities in securing maritime borders, and counter terrorism activities.

For the full interview, listen to the attached audio clip from Inquirer Radio 990AM.

Related stories

Aquino request to Obama for TPS for US Filipinos urgent

Aquino mum on TPS, leaves immigrants in the dark

Fil-Ams hail Aquino request for Temporary Protected Status for Filipinos