MEDIA REACTION ON TPS, NOVEMBER 3, 2004

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 002478 SIPDIS FOR PD/WHA (OHILTON),IIP/G/WHA, WHA/CEN INFO IIP/T/ES EMBASSIES FOR PAOS, IOS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP PREL SMIG KPAO HO SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON TPS, NOVEMBER 3, 2004 ¶1. Editorial in San Pedro Sula-based liberal daily "La Prensa" on 11/3, entitled "TPS." "The extension of Temporary Protected Status has given to more than 90,000 Hondurans living in the U.S. the possibility of working until July 5, 2006, without the risk of being arrested and deported. Although the government has tried to get permanent status for them, this fifth extension gives us a chance to continue lobbying and negotiating to achieve that objective." "The extremely dramatic conditions, that is, the destruction and emergency in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch that originated this migratory benefit, have disappeared, but the problems of unemployment and poverty have aggravated the situation of most Hondurans." "The physical effects of that natural phenomenon can't be seen anymore, but its human and social consequences are still evident in most households and in the country in general, and that's why we need all the aid we can get from those who have left the country." Palmer