Norma Torres Lobbies TPS for Guatemalans

California State Assemblywoman Norma Torres, originally from Guatemala, wrote another letter to Secretary Napolitano requesting an extension of TPS to Guatemalan nationals living in the US.

The February 15th letter draws attention to the people still suffering from last year's natural disasters.

Land-wise, about half of the country of Guatemala felt the impacts of the volcano, the storm, or both. A recent analysis by the Guatemalan government reports that from a primary population of 338,543 in the directly devastated areas, over 260,000 people have become victims of evacuations, loss of homes, injuries or loss of life.

Among major sectors, 36% of the nation's infrastructure (transportation, energy, water and sanitation) has suffered damages or losses. The social sector (housing, health, education, and culture) has experienced damages or losses of 20%. The production sector (agriculture, industry, commerce and tourism) suffered 13% in damages or losses.

All damages and losses amount to $982 million dollars, a staggering sum for a small sized country and economy like Guatemala.

Eight months and counting. I hope that I am wrong, but the lack of urgency on the part of the US government cannot be a good sign.