President Donald Trump plans to revoke temporary legal status for 240,000 Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion, potentially leading to deportations. This decision aligns with a broader initiative to terminate temporary protections for over 1.8 million migrants. The move signals a shift in U.S. immigration policy, complicating relations with Ukraine.
President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to cancel the temporary legal status for approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who fled from the ongoing Russian invasion. This decision follows a series of escalating tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alongside Trump’s growing focus on increasing deportations in the United States.
The revocation of their legal status may occur as early as April and could pave the way for potential deportations, according to information from a senior Trump administration official and three other sources. This action is positioned within a broader initiative aimed at terminating temporary legal status for over 1.8 million migrants who entered the U.S. under humanitarian parole programs established during President Joe Biden’s administration.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is granted by the Department of Homeland Security to individuals unable to safely return to their home countries. The acting Homeland Security Secretary can designate TPS for nations facing armed conflict, environmental crises, or other extraordinary conditions. Alejandro Mayorkas, the acting secretary when the war began, designated Ukraine for TPS in March 2022 and later extended it through October 2026.
In addition to Ukrainians, the Trump administration may seek to terminate the legal status for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, a plan that could impact over 530,000 individuals. Notably, around 77,000 Afghans, who escaped the Taliban regime, are also recipients of similar temporary parole programs.
Revoking the temporary legal status for Ukrainian refugees would reverse the current administration’s efforts to support those fleeing the conflict, particularly through the “Uniting for Ukraine” initiative, which aims to assist victims of the ongoing war. Furthermore, Trump has asserted in recent statements that his administration is conducting the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, focusing particularly on those accused of criminal activities.
This controversy also highlights a deepening feud between Trump and President Zelenskyy, exacerbated by their recent meeting at the White House, where mutual accusations marred the discussions. Trump characterized Zelenskyy as disrespectful and has previously criticized him, though he subsequently revised his comments to avoid direct disparagement. This conflict reflects a broader strategic division regarding how to address the ongoing crisis between Ukraine and Russia, with Trump advocating for rapid peace negotiations.
In summary, President Trump is poised to revoke temporary legal status for 240,000 Ukrainians who escaped the war with Russia, reflecting his administration’s harsh stance on immigration. This move seems aimed at supporting a broader policy to eliminate temporary statuses for various migrant groups. Amidst escalating tensions with Ukraine’s leadership, this decision marks a significant shift from supportive humanitarian measures initiated by the Biden administration.
Original Source: www.forbes.com
