temporary protected status (a) Designation (1) In general For purposes of section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1254a ), Ecuador shall be treated as if such country had been designated under subsection (b)(1)(C) of that section, subject to the provisions of this section. (2) Mandatory period of designation The initial period of the designation referred to in paragraph (1) shall be for no less than the 18-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, with subsequent renewals of temporary protected status thereafter being subject to the discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security. (b) Aliens eligible As a result of the designation made under subsection (a), an alien who is a national of Ecuador is deemed to satisfy the requirements under paragraph (1) of section 244(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1254a(c) ), subject to paragraph (3) of such section, if the alien— (1) has been continuously physically present in the United States since the date of the enactment of this Act