'My life is here'

Previous governments rolled over the protected status with little debate, but Trump has pursued a tougher "law and order" approach to the issue.

For TPS beneficiaries, the decision was a thunderbolt.

"My life is here," said Minda Hernandez, a 48-year-old housekeeper from Long Island who fled conflict in El Salvador 20 years ago - leaving a one-year-old child behind.

"This is where my home is, where I pay my taxes. I am happy here - even if I work myself to death."

Now she fears most for her 16-year-old son, who was born in the US.

"There are so many gangs and crime back there," she said. "But how could I leave him here alone?"

In San Salvador, President Salvador Sanchez Ceren avoided criticizing Washington and focused on the 18-month grace period.

Ceren's administration "considers this decision to be a recognition of the contribution of our compatriots who hold this migratory benefit, who are an important workforce in that country," the presidency said.

Ceren's government has grown closer to the US, and was one of only eight countries at the United Nations to support the US move to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital in December.

AFP - AP