The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump plans to revoke the temporary legal status of approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who sought refuge in the United States following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, according to a senior official and three sources familiar with the matter.
This policy change, expected to take effect as early as April, marks a significant departure from the welcoming stance of the previous Biden administration. It is part of a broader initiative to rescind parole status for over 1.8 million migrants who entered the U.S. under humanitarian programs initiated by President Joe Biden.
The revocation of legal status would expedite deportation processes for the affected Ukrainians, many of whom have established lives in the U.S. over the past three years. These humanitarian parole programs were designed to create legal immigration pathways and provide relief but are now being dismantled under directives to terminate all such programs.
The Department of Homeland Security has not issued an official statement on this matter. Both the White House and the Ukrainian embassy have yet to respond to requests for comment.
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This development has raised concerns among immigrant advocacy groups and communities, as it could lead to the separation of families and the loss of livelihoods for those who have been contributing to American society since their arrival.
The move also comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine, following a public dispute between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The revocation of legal status for Ukrainian refugees adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relations between the two nations.
As the situation develops, affected individuals and their advocates are seeking legal avenues to challenge the decision and are calling on lawmakers to intervene to protect those at risk of deportation.
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Source: N1, Foto: AP