William Duncan sworn in as new U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador Mr. William Duncan was sworn in on January 24, 2023, in Washington D.C. by Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols as the new U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador. Mr. Duncan has been a U.S. foreign service officer since 1992. Ambassador William Duncan …

16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an annual campaign that begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concludes on December 10, International Human Rights Day. The Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Katherine Douholm, during the 16 …

United States donates four helicopters to relieve Salvadoran aircraft in Mali The United States government, through its embassy in El Salvador, delivered four MD 530F helicopters to the Armed Forces of El Salvador (FAES). The North American nation donated the equipment with the objective of supporting the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali. …

The U.S. government, through the Southern Command’s Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP), officially handed over the Conchagua Municipal Clinic in La Unión, a project that was financed by the program. The Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Katherine Dueholm, came to Conchagua to deliver the new medical clinic. This new resource will benefit more than 10,000 …

USAID Emergency Assistance to El Salvador for Tropical Storm Julia The U.S. government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is working to provide immediate assistance to people in shelters and communities following the damage and destruction caused by Tropical Storm Julia. Through the International Organization for Migration (IOM), USAID donated 500 hygiene kits …

Humanitarian Assistance from SOUTHCOM for the municipality of Santiago de la Frontera As part of the ongoing assistance to Salvadoran communities and in the context of the ravages of Storm Julia, the United States Government, through the Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) of the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), delivered 280 water tanks and fumigators to …

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Organization of American States Secretary General Almagro READOUT OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON OCTOBER 6, 2022 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Organization of American States Secretary General Luis Almagro in Lima, Peru on the margins of the 52nd OAS General …

Secretary Antony J. Blinken at OAS General Assembly First Plenary Session   REMARKS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE LIMA CONVENTION CENTER LIMA, PERU SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.  Buenos dias, bom dia, bonjour, good afternoon to everyone.  It’s wonderful to be with all of our colleagues here today. And I’m especially grateful that we’ve been able to hold the …

Memorandum on Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2023 SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS September 15, 2022 Presidential Determination No. 2022-23 MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE SUBJECT: Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2023 By the …

Graduation of women entrepreneurs who participated in programs implemented through American Spaces The Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy, Katherine Dueholm, participated this past Saturday, August 20th, in the graduation of 65 women entrepreneurs who were part of the United States government program, implemented through the American Spaces. The 65 women who received their …

Police Athletic League Kicks Off Soccer Qualifiers and Celebrates its 10th Anniversary   The Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador, Matt Rees, participated in the start of the Police Athletic League (PAL) soccer qualifiers, a key program for the prevention of violence in Salvadoran communities. This event marked the start of the …

PROGRAM LAUNCHED TO STRENGTHEN EXPORTS IN THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE SECTOR SAN SALVADOR – The U.S. government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Fundación Salvadoreña de Apoyo Integral (FUSAI) launched a program to strengthen exports of nine small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food and beverage sector. The launch …

#PedaleandoPorElSalvador traveled along the Salvadoran coastline.     The Chargé d’Affaires, Brendan O’Brien, and a diverse group Salvadorans and Americans riders, explored the coast of El Salvador on a bicycle tour. In three days, the cycling team rode 300 kilometers and enjoyed wonderous landscapes, the warmth of the Salvadoran people, and the delights of the …

The Embassy of the United States, through the Humanitarian Assistance Program of the Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), delivered 100 wheelchairs to patients of the Instituto Salvadoreño de Rehabilitación Integral (ISRI) in San Salvador.  This donation will change the lives of patients and users who, due to various diseases or accidents, face mobility problems.

Charge d’Affaires, Brendan O’Brien, visited the American company Asheboro Elastics, located in Ilopango, San Salvador. This elastic factory, originating in North Carolina, started its first manufacturing plant in El Salvador in 2006. Currently, they employ 205 Salvadorans and have invested more than five million dollars in the 18 years of operation in the country. Thanks …

268 Salvadorans Obtain Job Contracts In The United States American company Trident Seafoods visited El Salvador February 21-23, conducting interviews and offering temporary jobs to Salvadoran workers in their fish processing plants in Alaska.  This is part of the H2 visa program, an initiative developed by the Government of the United States to help Salvadoran …

You’re needed here in El Salvador. You’re looking for the best way to help your family. Leaving is not the only option. Be proud. Be resilient. You can also help them by staying in El Salvador and staying together. By staying, you give your time and resources to your community, your family, your children – …

Humanitarian Assistance Program in Ciudad Arce and Colón   Chargé d’Affaires Brendan O’Brien, thanks to the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Humanitarian Assistance Program , delivered a donation of disinfectants, portable sinks, fumigators and biosecurity equipment to reduce the spread of the virus in Ciudad Arce and Colón. The mayors, Samael Rivera and Noe Rivera, have been in charge of receiving the support. …

Plan for Returned Migrants – Sandra’s Story   Chargé d’Affaires Brendan O’Brien visited Guazapa to learn about Sandra’s success story; she lives in that municipality with her children and owns La Pupusería and Cocina de “Mama Noy”. This venture, with which he provides for his family, was born after much effort and support thanks to USAID El Salvador and …

Toys for Tots Chargé d’Affaires Brendan O’Brien and the Marine Corps held the annual Toys for Tots award to 60 children at Mi Casa Kids. Around the world, this program has supported more than 272 million children since 1947. This donation of toys brings hope, a smile and joy at Christmas time. We invite you …

Chargé d’Affaires visits the San Miguelito market   The Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy, Brendan O’Brien, visited the San Miguelito market to meet the vendors who were affected by the fire last September. Thanks to the support of USAID El Salvador , the vendors received equipment and supplies to restore their premises and continue their sales.   USAID El Salvador was …

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) today announced the forthcoming publication of a joint temporary final rule to make available an additional 20,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year (FY) 2022.  These visas will be set aside for U.S. employers seeking to employ additional workers on or before March …

Donation in La Palma, Chalatenango   The Chargé d’Affaires, Brendan O’Brien, presided over the donation of wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, sewing machines, school clothing, food and clothing to the inhabitants of La Palma, Chalatenango. This was possible thanks to the continued support of “Church Of Christ” in favor of the communities of this area for its …

¡De Aquí Soy! The Chargé d’Affaires, Brendan O’Brien, joined this day the Fair ¡De Aquí Soy!, the space to access growth opportunities in El Salvador in topics such as education, employment and entrepreneurship.  The Manager O’Brien, together with USAID El Salvador , shared a fair full of many laughs, joy, pupusas, lottery and entertainment with the Salvadorans. You …

Closing of the Participa+ Program   The Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy, Brendan O’Brien, participated in the closing activity of the Participa+ Program of Glasswing El Salvador . During its implementation, the lives of 217 participants were impacted with workshops focused on issues of citizen participation, political leadership in young people and tolerance and inclusion in politics. The …

International Day of Persons with Disabilities This day marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by donating 100 wheelchairs thanks to Kiwanis, Wheelchair Foundation and Airlines Ambassadors. The award ceremony was presided over by the Acting Minister Counsellor of the U.S. Embassy, William Bent, for the benefit of war veterans who were affected while …

United States Department of Justice Task Force to Combat Corruption in Central America   The U.S. Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting corruption and money laundering affecting the people of Central America, and to finding, recovering and repatriating assets that have been stolen through the abuse of public office and illicitly laundered …

Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland Travel to Paraguay, Panama, and El Salvador MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON JULY 1, 2021 Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and an interagency delegation, including representatives from the National Security Council, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Southern Command, visited …

Central American Minors 2021 Reopening Q:  What is the Central American Minors (CAM) Program?   CAM was started in 2014 to give at-risk children in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras the opportunity to come to the United States as refugees.  More information on the history of the program is available  at this link.      Q:  I heard that CAM  has reopened, is that true?   Yes.  On March 10, 2021, the Departments of State and Homeland Security  announced the reopening of CAM . The …

Joint Statement by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Homeland Security on the Expansion of Access to the Central American Minors Program   The following joint statement was released by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. Begin Text: The Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration …

READOUT OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MAY 2, 2021   The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele today by phone.  Secretary Blinken expressed the U.S. government’s grave concern over the Legislative Assembly’s vote to remove all five magistrates of El Salvador’s constitutional Chamber, …

The U.S. Embassy in San Salvador, through its Military Group and thanks to the Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) of the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), delivered a donation of  Personal protection equipment, disinfectants, spray equipment (fumigators), and portable hand washing stations to the municipality of San Juan Opico, in the Department of La Libertad. The …

Charge d’Affaires Brendan O’Brien witnessed the arrival of 96,000 AstraZeneca vaccines into the country thanks to the COVAX mechanism. The United States is the main donor of this entity with $ 4,000 million dollars. COVAX, an international association dedicated to global equal access to vaccines, aims to deliver 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by …

Expansion of the Litoral Highway Today we celebrate the conclusion of one of the most emblematic projects of FOMILENIO II: The expansion of the Litoral highway, between Comalapa and Zacatecoluca. In the last five years, we have worked together to make this work that is already benefiting Salvadorans a reality. This activity seeks to alleviate …

The U.S. Southern Command Delivered More Than $ 400,000 in Humanitarian Aid to El Salvador Since the Start of the Pandemic The United States Embassy in San Salvador, ​​through the Embassy’s Military Group and thanks to the Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) of the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), has provided $ 431,911 to support the …

On March 29, 2021, the government of El Salvador updated the requirements for entry into the country. Here is the updated list: Entry and Exit Requirements Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes The Government of El Salvador reopened the International Airport on September 19 with enhanced health protocols, which may include but not be …

As U.S. Embassy San Salvador’s conditions permit, and after meeting demand for services to U.S. citizens, we will prioritize immediate relative family members of U.S. citizens, including spouses and children of U.S. citizens, intercountry adoptions, fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens, and certain special immigrant visa applications. The health and safety of our workforce and customers remain paramount. …

INL has been supporting the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program, a police-taught prevention program which seeks to prevent kids from joining gangs while providing them with life skills and decision-making tools. In addition, the program aims at improving the relationship between the police and the community. By assisting kids to be and feel …

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Salvadoran Foreign Minister Hill Tinoco   United States Department of State Spokesperson’s Office Readout February 19, 2021. The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Salvadoran Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco today. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Hill discussed how a productive U.S.-El …

U.S. Government benefits San Marcos students with drinking water project The United States Government, through the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), held a ceremony to deliver a water tank, valued at more than $7,000, to the Cantón Chaltepe School, located in the municipality of San Marcos. The initiative is part of the Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster and …

Brendan O’Brien assumes the position of Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in San Salvador   On January 20th, 2021, Brendan O’Brien assumed the position of the Charge d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in San Salvador. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Charge O’Brien has served as Deputy Chief of Mission …

Ambassador Ronald Johnson visits security and development programs in the West of El Salvador Last Thursday, December 17, 2020, Ambassador Johnson visited Lake Guija in Santa Ana. This natural border between El Salvador and Guatemala is guarded by agents of the coast guard division of the National Civil Police and the Salvadoran Armed Forces. Through close cooperation and …

A total of 33 students from the different branches of the Armed Forces of El Salvador (FAES), received training in the Harris Radio Communication System, as well as in the long-term maintenance of this equipment. The training was offered by the U.S. Maintenance Operations Support Training (MOST) team consisting on a group of Southern Command …

October 21, 2020 Commander of U.S. Southern Command visits El Salvador The U.S. Embassy in Salvador informs that the commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), U.S. Navy Adm. Craig Faller, visited El Salvador on October 21 to meet with U.S. Embassy staff and Salvadoran defense leadership. During his visit, Admiral Faller and his delegation met …

The United States, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), remains a dedicated partner to FOMILENIO II and the Government of El Salvador. We applaud the Government for fulfilling funding commitments, which are critical to implementing and completing these projects that experienced unexpected delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By law, MCC is unable to extend …

MCC Marks Closeout of $277 Million El Salvador Investment Compact September 9, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) celebrates its partnership with the Government of El Salvador through the conclusion of the  El Salvador Investment Compact—the second for the country—a five-year grant agreement that aimed to create greater economic opportunity for …

The U.S. Embassy, through its American Spaces program, supported the printing of 3D health face shield for frontline personnel in the fight against COVID-19. This initiative is part of the U.S. government’s efforts to support El Salvador during the pandemic, especially in improving the protection of health personnel. The face shields were printed by the …

United States Donates Personal Protective Equipment to El Salvador’s Fire Department to Combat COVID-19  June 25, 2020 The United States government, as a key partner in El Salvador in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, donated $15,000 worth of bio-safety level 3 protective suits with shoe covers, surgical masks and NK95 masks. to the Salvadoran …

The United States donates 10,000 face shields for medical personnel to combat COVID-19  June 19, 2020 As a key partner to El Salvador in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States government has donated 10,000 face shields to the Ministry of Health (MINSAL) and Presidential House (CAPRES). The donation, which was provided by the …

United States donates Boston Whaler boat to El Salvador’s Navy June 18, 2020 As part of the United States – El Salvador Friendship Day celebration on June 15th, the U.S. government donated a Boston Whaler boat to the Trident Naval Task Force. This is the eighth boat that the government has given to El Salvador …

U.S. donates radio equipment to El Salvador’s Navy June 18, 2020 The United State of America, through the U.S. Department of Defense, demonstrate our  commitment to continue supporting the work of the Salvadoran Armed Forces, with a donation of Harris radios and communications equipment to the Salvadoran Navy. The donation is valued at $354,858 and …

United States Announces Nominee for Presidency of the Inter-American Development Bank Group June 16, 2020 WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that the United States intends to nominate Mauricio J. Claver-Carone for the presidency of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB). “The IDB is at a critical juncture as the region faces …

Information for Salvadoran citizens in the United States during  the COVID-19 emergency   (Please see the USCIS official page for the most updated information: https://www.uscis.gov/visit-united-states/extend-your-stay) To all Salvadoran citizens who were traveling in the United States and cannot return to their country due to the closure of the “Oscar Arnulfo Romero” International Airport, the United …

Airline Ambassadors International, a U.S. NGO based out of Washington D.C, and Gente Ayudando Gente, a Salvadoran NGO, united their efforts to support a Salvadoran hospital as they continue to work to help the Salvadoran population during this Coronavirus pandemic.    Out of a united effort to collect donations, the organizations delivered 8,400 locally-made masks to …

States Diner is a restaurant founded by U.S. citizen Kameron Ackerman and his family. The Ackerman family started this restaurant to help orphaned and abandoned children in El Salvador.   Kameron told U.S. embassy employees that at the start of the COVID-19 emergency, Cuscatlan Park was one of the first public places to close. With the …

In times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in El Salvador, you often find unsung heroes who step up  to help vulnerable communities. Michael Waidmann, a U.S. citizen, is one such heroe. He has created an initiative to benefit families living in communities in San Salvador’s vulnerable District 2. Before the start of the …

Josh Host, a 38-year-old U.S. citizen and  businessman, is the founder of “Visit Mizata and Nawi Beach House”, a hotel and restaurant located in Mizata Beach which generates 54 direct jobs. Like many businessmen in the tourism sector, Josh’s business has been affected by the nationwide quarantine decreed by the government on March 21 and …

January 31, 2020 China: 212(f) Visa Restrictions on Travelers from China On January 31, 2020, the President signed a proclamation suspending the entry into the United States of any aliens who were present in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, during the 14-day period preceding …

La Libertad— 49 young people make up the 13th graduating class of the ¡Supérate! Hilasal complementary education program. To date, this program has trained more than 3,000 students in English, information technology, and ethics. The ceremony was presided over by the Mission Director for USAID El Salvador, David Gosney, the President and Founder of ¡Supérate!, …

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO January 5, 2020 The United States Congratulates Interim President Juan Guaido on His Re-Election as President of the National Assembly    On behalf of the United States, I congratulate Juan Guaido on his re-election as president of the Venezuelan National Assembly and condemn the failed efforts of the former Maduro …

Popular video app TikTok is “a vector for censorship and surveillance”, according to a new report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), which found the app’s parent company ByteDance was complicit in police propaganda in Xinjiang. The report also names Chinese tech giant Huawei — which is banned from supplying equipment to Australia’s 5G …

U.S Department of State OP-ED Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary Of State Politico Europe December 2, 2019 EU communications ministers will gather in Brussels on Tuesday [1]  to discuss how to safeguard emerging fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks. Their decisions could have lasting impacts on European countries’ ability to protect their people’s privacy, and ultimately, safeguard their freedoms. …

United States Fights Cybercrime With Contribution to Organization of American States Program MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON OCTOBER 29, 2019 The United States yesterday formalized a contribution of $639,015 to the Organization of American States (OAS) Cybercrime Program, a training and technical assistance initiative carried out in accordance with the mandates of the Meetings of the Ministers of …

Politics The Railroad to Nowhere China Built Has Opened in Kenya By Eric Ombok October 17, 2019, 12:54 AM CST Kenya opened a new China-funded rail link as part of the government’s agenda to increase investment in infrastructure, and is seeking about 400 billion shillings ($3.8 billion) to upgrade roads. The extension, which ends in a village …

  10/11/2019 — The Embassy of the United States in El Salvador will be closed on Monday, October 14, 2019 in recognition of a U.S. holiday.  Nonimmigrant visa applicants (tourism, business and others) and US citizens should take this notice into account to avoid any inconvenience in their travel plans or in their consular service …

October 10, 2019 Secretary Michael R. Pompeo’s Meeting with Salvadoran Foreign Minister Hill The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus:‎ Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Salvadoran Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill in Washington, D.C.  Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Hill discussed the strong partnership between the United States and El Salvador, …

MCC, through FOMILENIO II, invests over $2 million in construction of educational center on Zacatillo Island With an investment of more than $2.06 million, MCC, through its implementing partner FOMILENIO II, launched the construction and rehabilitation of the Education Center located in “Caserío La Estufa Cantón Isla Zacatillo in La Unión. This new school will …

August 9, 2019  Speaker Nancy Pelosi leads a bipartisan delegation of 13 Congressmen to El Salvador On August 8-9, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi led a bipartisan Congressional Delegation of 13 Members of Congress to El Salvador. The delegation visited El Salvador with the goal of strengthening the U.S. El Salvadoran …

August 2, 2019 The United States Embassy in El Salvador will be closed from August 5-6, 2019 due to a local holiday in San Salvador. Our offices will reopen on Wednesday, August 7, 2019.   

By Nayib Bukele July 23 at 3:11 PM Nayib Bukele is the president of El Salvador. SAN SALVADOR — I was sworn in as president of El Salvador on June 1 and, during my inaugural speech, I repeated my campaign pledge to end corruption, to make the safety and security of our people a top …

China’s New Road in the Americas: Beyond Silk and Silver Remarks Kimberly Breier Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Washington, DC April 26, 2019   Thank you, Eric, and thank you to the Council for hosting me today. It’s a great honor for me to be here and to give these first remarks as …

Made in China, Exported to the World: The Surveillance State In Ecuador, cameras capture footage to be examined by police and domestic intelligence. The surveillance system’s origin: China. Chinese Cameras Come With Chinese TacticsIs Chinese-style surveillance becoming normalized? A Times investigation found the Chinese surveillance state is spreading past its borders.CreditCreditJonah M. Kessel/The New York Times …

February 27, 2019 World Wildlife Day 2019 The United Nations established March 3 as World Wildlife Day to raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants.  This year will mark the sixth anniversary of World Wildlife Day, and for the first time will highlight marine species and the unique threats they face.  Wildlife has …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY POMPEO February 26, 2019  Cuba’s So-Called Referendum  On February 24, the Cuban communist regime held what it called a “national referendum” on revisions to its constitution.  No one should be fooled by this exercise, which achieves little beyond perpetuating the pretext for regime’s one-party dictatorship.  The entire …

The Cybersecurity 202: Huawei’s access to 5G could expand China’s surveillance state, cyber diplomat warns By Joseph Marks The Washington Post February 7, 2019 at 7:33 AM The United States’ top cyber diplomat just offered an unusually blunt warning to other nations: Allowing Huawei and other Chinese companies into their next-generation telecommunications networks would allow …

In February 2019, a delegation from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) visited El Salvador to monitor progress on two important energy projects: Energía del Pacífico natural gas plant and the AES El Salvador Bósfiro solar energy project. The Energía del Pacifico project represents a total investment of $800 million from OPIC. The AES project …

WASHINGTON — The Kenyan government is  struggling to respond  to revelations that a multi-billion dollar contract with China may imperil its sovereignty, according to The Daily Nation newspaper. Details of the loan for the Standard Gauge Railway, Kenya’s largest infrastructure project since independence, emerged Sunday when The Nation  published excerpts  from a 2014 contract between the Export-Import Bank of China and …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY POMPEO January 23, 2019 Continuing U.S. Diplomatic Presence in Venezuela The United States stands with interim President Juan Guaido, the democratically elected National Assembly, and the people of Venezuela as they peacefully restore constitutional order to their country. We stand ready to …

On December 11, 2018, the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador funded the destruction of 24,306 small arms ammunition carried out by the organization Hazardous Areas Life-Support Operations (HALO) Trust and the Armed Forces of El Salvador. The small arms were confiscated from various criminal groups by the Department of Confiscations and Storage Control of the Logistics …

December 10, 2018 Statement by Secretary Pompeo – Human Rights Day Seventy years ago, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Emerging from a world war that shocked humanity with its cruelty, the sovereign nations of the world united to specify those rights that are inherent to all persons, and committed to their …

U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release Statement by Secretary Pompeo December 7, 2018 International Anticorruption Day Corruption facilitates transnational crime, fuels terrorism, obstructs economic growth and development, weakens the rule of law, and undermines democracy. Ultimately, it endangers our national security. That is why, as we look ahead to International Anticorruption …

On November 14 the organization Hazardous Areas Life-Support Operations (HALO) carried out the destruction of 1,256 weapons consisting in firearms confiscated by the Salvadoran National Civilian Police (PNC). The operation took place at the CORINCA metal processing plant in Quezaltepeque, La Libertad, with financial support from the U.S. State Department. The HALO trust is a …

On October 31, the Embassy of the United States in El Salvador provided an opportunity for 156 students aged 6 to 10 from the Educational Center of Popotlán in Apopa, San Salvador, to create art and express themselves at the Museum of Art of El Salvador (MARTE). The students, many of whom had never been …

The EmprendeSV conference is a learning opportunity for all young entrepreneurs in El Salvador who are part of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) network.  The objective of EmprendeSV is to promote innovation and support entrepreneurship to promote the economic development of El Salvador. This is an initiative of the United States government …

President Ray Washburne of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) signed last Monday an agreement totaling $154 million with Grupo Q Holdings and Citi El Salvador to facilitate development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in the country. President Juan Federico Salaverría signed for Grupo Q Holdings, and CEO Ana Cristina López signed for Citi …

October 21, 2018 Migrant Caravan The United States is closely following the migrant caravan, in which thousands of migrants from Honduras and other countries continue to make a dangerous journey through Guatemala and into Mexico.  Many migrants are attempting to transit these countries and in the process are violating their sovereignty, their laws, and their …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY POMPEO El Salvador’s Independence Day September 14, 2018 On behalf of the Government of the United States, I extend congratulations to the people of El Salvador on the occasion of your 197th anniversary of independence September 15.  The people of the United …

Statement by Department of State Spokesperson Heather Nauert September 10, 2018 Washington, DC In the Department of State Press Briefing, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert confirmed that the chiefs of mission for the U.S. Embassies in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Panama, were called to Washington, D.C. for consultations relating to recent decisions …

Inventors, industrial designers, and creative artists in the Northern Triangle and throughout the world are creating new inventions that help grow the local economy. Counterfeit goods not only take away income from those who labored to create it, they also often do not meet quality standards, and can be harmful to consumers. The United States, …

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY POMPEO May 26, 2018 Long Overdue Freedom for Joshua Holt in Venezuela The United States welcomes the release of Joshua Holt and his wife Thamara, who were unjustly imprisoned in Venezuela. We extend our special thanks to Senator Bob Corker, Senator Orrin Hatch, Senator Mike Lee, Representative Mia Love, and all the other …

Deputy Secretary Sullivan Travel to Argentina and Brazil Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan will travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina from May 20-21 to lead the U.S. delegation to the G-20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The G-20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting offers an opportunity for foreign ministers to exchange views and collaborate on global economic, political, …

UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS Office of Press and Public Diplomacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 25, 2018 Statement by Ambassador Haley on Violence against Civilians in Nicaragua The violence and repression we have seen in Nicaragua go against the right to free speech and human dignity of the Nicaraguan people. Police and bad …

“Alianza El Zonte” became the third El Salvador Investment Challenge (ESIC, or API in Spanish), by signing an investment agreement with FOMILENIO II and the municipality of Chiltiupán for $10.8 million. This project will improve the quality of life of more than 2,000 people in the municipality, will help control pollution of the El Zonte …

To re-register for TPS based on the designation of El Salvador, you must submit an Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821). You do not need to pay the filing fee for the Form I-821. See  8 CFR 244.17 . You may be required to pay the biometric services fee. Please see additional information under the “Biometric Services Fee” section of …

On January 19, the U.S. Embassy San Salvador, through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) together with the Patria Unida Foundation, inaugurated the thirteenth Police Athletic League (PAL) program of the National Civilian Police (PNC) at the Municipal Stadium of Ilobasco, Cabañas.   The PAL offers an array of recreational, educational, cultural, …

To re-register for TPS based on the designation of El Salvador, you must submit an Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821). You do not need to pay the filing fee for the Form I-821. See  8 CFR 244.17 . You may be required to pay the biometric services fee. Please see additional information under the “Biometric Services Fee” section of …

Press Statement Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Washington, DC December 21, 2017 Today, alongside the President and the Department of the Treasury, the Department of State took action against persons who have committed serious human rights abuse and engaged in corruption around the world. The Department is committed to protecting and promoting human rights …

The U.S. Embassy, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Central America Regional Clean Energy Initiative, inaugurated a photovoltaic (solar energy) system in El Salvador’s “Tin Marín” children’s museum. The $91,800 investment is expected to generate $10,000 per year in  energy savings.  The 207 solar panels are each 60 kilo watts of power and are installed on the roof of the museum. They …

A Prosperous, Secure, and Well-Governed Central America Advances U.S. Interests “The United States views the security and prosperity of Central America as key to regional stability and to the security of the United States. We affirm our strong relationship with Central America and the region…” – White House Statement on the Conference on Prosperity and Security in …

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2017 NATIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP MONTH, 2017 – – – – – – – BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION National Entrepreneurship Month celebrates one of our Nation’s proudest qualities:  our innovative, hardworking, entrepreneurial spirit.  American entrepreneurs invent and …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release  STATEMENT BY HEATHER NAUERT, SPOKESPERSON November 2, 2017  International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists Around the world, journalists work often at great personal risk to report on issues that impact the lives of individuals in all societies.  They shine a light …

The U.S. Embassy Military Group, through its Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP), donated an ambulance valued at $200,000 to the Municipality of Villa de Meanguera, Morazán. The event was attended by members of government institutions, churches, community representatives, inhabitants and educational centers. Colonel Elliot Harris said: “Our nations have a long history of friendship, and this …

Stop.Think.Connect is a national awareness campaign of awareness with the objective of increasing the level of knowledge of cyber-crimes and encourage the public to be more secure and responsible in the cyber world. Whether you send text messages, play games, share photos and videos, update your status or leave your comments on a social network, …

NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH, 2017 – – – – – – – BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans who have helped shape our great Nation.  We are grateful for the many contributions Hispanic American men and women make …

As part of the International Law Enforcement Academy’s (ILEA) commitment to fostering a culture of violence prevention in young people, ILEA invited 28 young people from the Glasswing International project to participate in a day of activities at the facilities of the Administration for the Control of the Drug (DEA). The goal of the visit …

Release Date:  September 5, 2017 The following are frequently asked questions on the September 5, 2017 Rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program. Q1: Why is DHS phasing out the DACA program? A1: Taking into consideration the federal court rulings in ongoing litigation, and the September 4, 2017 letter from the Attorney …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY HEATHER NAUERT, SPOKESPERSON Criminalizing Dissent in Venezuela The United States condemns the call by Venezuela’s illegitimate Constituent Assembly for trials of the political opposition, including members of the democratically-elected legislature, on charges of treason and alleged involvement in Venezuela’s economic crisis. Venezuela’s …

On August 22, the National Civilian Police (PNC), through its Access to Public Information Unit, presented its new Transparency Portal aimed at improving transparency in the institution and facilitating access to public information through data and statistics. The portal was developed through the Infosegura Program, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) …

The new electronic window MiEmpresa.gob.sv of the Government of El Salvador (GOES) will allow individual traders and companies to carry out the necessary procedures to obtain 25 registrations from 8 public and private entities. This electronic window will improve the business climate and competitiveness of the country and is part of the mechanisms that allow …

Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro Moros, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13692, which authorizes sanctions against current or former officials of the Government of Venezuela and others undermining democracy in Venezuela.  These sanctions come a day after the Maduro …

On July 19, FOMILENIO II awarded a total of 119 schools titles deeds in 33 municipalities to the Ministry of Education (MINED). This delivery helps the implementation of MINED’s Integrated Inclusive School System (SI-EITP) model in 344 schools in El Salvador. In the event participated the Director of the Educational Complex of San Dionisio Carlos …

Enhanced Security Measures for all Flights to the United States On June 28, Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly announced enhanced security screening measures for all commercial flights to the United States.  These measures, both seen and unseen include enhanced screening of passengers and electronic devices as well as heightened security standards for aircraft and …

UNDER SECRETARY SHANNON: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To you, sir, to the Secretary General and to all my colleagues, I extend my respect and gratitude for your presence here today as we discuss the increasingly dire situation in Venezuela. Over the last 18 months, we have seen a dramatic erosion of constitutional rule in Venezuela. …

Today, on May 17, the members of the OAS LGBTI Core Group (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United States and Uruguay) are proud to join other governments and civil society organizations from around the world to celebrate the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT). This year, the IDAHOT is an opportunity to …

May 24 – The competition to win two entries to our U.S. Independence Day Celebration will close. Information on how to enter your name in the raffle is online at www.AmistadEnAccionSV.com. Series of concerts free and open to everyone will be in Plan El Salvador Seguro municipalities with the below schedule: June 23 at  El …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson _______________________________ For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY MARK TONER, ACTING SPOKESPERSON April 18, 2017 Non-Violence and Accountability During Protests in Venezuela Venezuela has been witness in recent weeks to ongoing social protests, ever since the Supreme Court demonstrated its lack of independence from the Executive Branch through a …

By Larry Sacks Director, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) El Salvador  ** This translation is provided as a courtesy and only the original Spanish text should be considered reliable. ** I remember how excited I was when I got my first job. They paid me the minimum wage, but I will never forget the …

International Law Enforcement Academy in San Salvador (ILEA) graduated 41 law enforcement officers from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Panamá and El Salvador under the “Law Enforcement and Leadership Development Program.” This six week course was designed to enhance the participants’ leadership and management skills, and foster regional law enforcement cooperation. Among the specific topics …

With 66 votes in favor, the Salvadoran Legislative Assembly approved the declaration of June 15 as “Friendship Day between El Salvador and United States.” The initiative was studied by the Committee for Cultural and Educational Affairs of the Legislative Assembly to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on June 15, 1863. …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson MEDIA NOTE February 23, 2017 Joint Statement by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly on Bilateral Discussions in Mexico City We just concluded a very productive set of meetings with our counterparts Secretary of Government Miguel Angel Osorio Chong; Secretary of …

Experts from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Jennifer Ciardelli and Carrie Olson, inspired 40 future educators from the Specialized Institute of Higher Education (IENS) with a message to fight against intolerance and to promote human dignity, during the talk “Learn and Teach about the Holocaust,” carried out within the context of the Holocaust Remembrance Day, that is held on January …

Mark C. Toner  Deputy Department Spokesperson Washington, DC December 29, 2016 The State Department today declared persona non grata 35 Russian officials operating in the United States who were acting in a manner inconsistent with their diplomatic or consular status. The Department also informed the Russian Government that it would deny Russian personnel access to …

Bipartisan letter condemns political interference in courageous work of Attorneys General WASHINGTON—Led by Representative Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chair Emeritus of the Foreign Affairs Committee, a bipartisan group of 12 Members of Congress today affirmed their support for the courageous …

The Embassy of the United States in El Salvador clarifies that the Department of State has certified to the United States Congress that the three countries of the Northern Triangle — El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras — have taken effective measures to comply with the conditions established by the Congress of the United States this year. At …

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs  Juan Sebastian Gonzalez  visited El Salvador on December 13 – 14 to support Salvadoran government efforts to address irregular migration to the United States. During his visit, Deputy Assistant Secretary Gonzalez met with Salvadoran Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugo Martinez and other cabinet members. Juan Sebastian Gonzalez is responsible …

Congressional Record December 9, 2016 Mr. LEAHY.  Mr. President, the Northern Triangle countries of Central America – El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala – face many similar challenges.  Poverty, gangs, violence, corruption, organized crime.  One of these challenges is weak judicial systems. For as long as anyone can remember, judges in these countries, no matter how …

November 16, 2016 Marrakech, Morocco SECRETARY KERRY:  Thank you so much, everybody.  I apologize for being a few moments late.  There was a fire and then there was some traffic backed up, and so here I am and here are you, and thank you for being here. Let me begin by thanking our terrific U.S. …

On November 11, U.S. Embassy San Salvador was closed in commemoration of Veterans Day, out of respect for, and in recognition of, the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world.   In a ceremony on the Embassy grounds, attended by members of American Legion Post ES-01and …