From Where We Are

Salvadoran man self-deports amid TPS uncertainty

Emerson Villaran Calles poses for graduation.
Emerson Villaran Calles poses for graduation, holding his "undocumented, unafraid, and unstoppable" cap. Photo courtesy of Gian Marco Velásquez

Emerson Villaran Calles moved to the United States from El Salvador at 4 years old. On Sept. 7, he returned to Candelaria, Cuscatlán, where his grandparents live, in an act of self-deportation. This decision follows President Donald Trump’s rescinding of temporary protected status for 13 countries, including El Salvador. USC Annenberg spoke with Emerson to get his insight.