Trump’s Plan to Revoke Legal Status for 240,000 Ukrainians Fleeing War

President Trump plans to revoke temporary legal status for 240,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war with Russia, potentially leading to deportations. This move aligns with broader efforts to rescind protections for over 1.8 million migrants established under humanitarian programs. The action follows a heated feud with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.

Recent reports indicate that President Donald Trump is planning to revoke the temporary legal status of approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This decision, anticipated as early as April, could potentially lead to deportations of these individuals. This move is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to rescind temporary legal statuses for over 1.8 million migrants currently in the United States under humanitarian parole programs established by President Joe Biden.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is granted by the Department of Homeland Security to individuals from countries where it is unsafe to return due to conflicts, environmental crises, or other extraordinary conditions. Ukraine was designated for TPS in March 2022 by then-Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, following Russia’s invasion, and this designation was extended through October 2026 earlier in the year.

Additionally, Trump signed an executive order in January, directing the termination of all categorical parole programs, which could also impact migrants from other countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Internal documents suggest that over 530,000 individuals from these nations are at risk of losing their temporary legal status, alongside approximately 77,000 Afghans who fled Taliban rule.

The potential revocation of legal status for Ukrainians stands in stark contrast to Biden’s initiatives aimed at welcoming Ukrainian refugees under the program termed “Uniting for Ukraine.” This program was designed to provide essential refuge to those affected by the war. Moreover, Trump recently stated that his administration is executing what he referred to as the “largest deportation operation” in U.S. history, emphasizing a strict stance against all migrants alleged to have committed crimes.

This development adds another layer to the escalating tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, especially following a confrontational meeting the two leaders had in the Oval Office. Trump has criticized Zelenskyy, insinuating disrespect during their discussions, particularly regarding peace talks with Russia, and previously accused him of being a dictator. However, Trump appeared to later amend that characterization, showing the complexity of their relationship.

In conclusion, the potential revocation of Temporary Protected Status for 240,000 Ukrainians by President Trump represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, reflecting a wider initiative to revoke protections for numerous migrants. This action could not only impact humanitarian efforts to support Ukrainian refugees but also exacerbate ongoing tensions between Trump and President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. The developments around legal statuses will be crucial to monitor as the situation evolves.

Original Source: www.forbes.com