Trump’s Plan to Revoke Legal Status for Ukrainian Refugees Amid Feud with Zelenskyy
President Trump plans to revoke temporary legal status for about 240,000 Ukrainians who fled Russia’s invasion. Expected by April, this move aligns with broader efforts to revoke protections for over 1.8 million migrants under humanitarian parole. This action indicates a departure from Biden’s welcoming stance toward Ukrainian refugees during the ongoing conflict.
Recent reports indicate that President Donald Trump is aiming to rescind the temporary legal status of approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the nation due to Russia’s invasion. This potential action comes as tensions rise between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and as Trump intensifies efforts to increase deportations.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the revocation may occur as early as April and could lead to deportations for affected Ukrainians. Furthermore, this proposed action aligns with the Trump administration’s objective to terminate temporary legal status for over 1.8 million migrants who were permitted entry into the United States under humanitarian parole programs introduced by President Joe Biden.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to individuals from countries facing significant risks that prevent safe return, such as armed conflict or natural disasters. Ukraine was designated for TPS by then-Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in March 2022, with extensions granted through October 2026.
Additional consequences include the anticipated revocation of temporary legal status for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. An internal government report suggests that Trump has requested the DHS to terminate all categorical parole programs, potentially affecting over 530,000 individuals from these countries, in addition to around 77,000 Afghans who escaped the Taliban.
This proposed termination of temporary legal status for Ukrainians represents a significant shift away from the Biden administration’s commitment to support Ukrainian refugees and the “Uniting for Ukraine” initiative. This program aims to provide refuge and sponsorship opportunities for Ukrainians severely impacted by the ongoing conflict. Recently, Trump has characterized his administration as carrying out the “largest deportation operation” in U.S. history, asserting that all migrants accused of crimes should face deportation.
The unfolding situation also reflects ongoing tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy, particularly following a contentious meeting. During this encounter, Trump and Vice President JD Vance expressed that Zelenskyy was “disrespectful” while attempting to negotiate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Previously, Trump had referred to Zelenskyy as a “dictator,” although he later amended this statement.
In summary, the potential revocation of temporary legal status for 240,000 Ukrainians signifies a drastic policy shift by President Trump, aimed at enhancing deportation efforts. This decision may affect not only Ukrainians but also other migrant groups under humanitarian parole, highlighting a broader agenda to restrict entry for vulnerable populations. The ongoing feud between Trump and Zelenskyy further complicates the situation, reflecting the current geopolitical dynamics between the United States and Ukraine.
Original Source: www.forbes.com
