The Trump administration has escalated its crackdown on immigration by putting nearly 200,000 Salvadorans legally in the US on notice that they are likely to be deported, a sign the White House will continue its hardline stance despite objections from American companies.

The decision to revoke “temporary protected status” for residents from El Salvador, who were allowed to work in the US following devastating earthquakes in 2001, comes amid congressional efforts to roll back the administration’s toughest anti-immigration measures following intense pressure from Silicon Valley.

The move is seen as catering to voters in President Donald Trump’s political base, who Republicans need to turn out in large numbers in November midterm elections if the party is to retain control of both houses of Congress.