Trump Aims to Revoke Legal Status for 240,000 Ukrainians Fleeing Conflict
President Trump is reportedly planning to revoke temporary legal status for 240,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war with Russia, risking their deportation. This action is part of a broader effort to terminate TPS for over 1.8 million migrants under Biden’s humanitarian programs. Additionally, tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy have escalated recently.
Recent reports indicate that President Donald Trump is considering the revocation of temporary legal status for approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who fled from Russia’s invasion. This decision could be executed as soon as April, potentially placing these individuals at risk of deportation, as noted by Reuters and various sources familiar with the Trump administration’s plans.
This proposed action is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to eliminate temporary legal statuses for more than 1.8 million migrants admitted to the United States under humanitarian parole programs established during President Joe Biden’s administration. As of now, neither the White House nor Ukraine’s embassy has provided comments on the situation.
Under the guidelines of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), the Department of Homeland Security can designate countries for TPS when residents cannot safely return home due to armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other significant conditions. Ukraine was designated for TPS by then-Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in March 2022, which was later extended through October 2026.
In addition to Ukrainians, Trump has initiated efforts to terminate TPS for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, affecting over 530,000 individuals. Moreover, approximately 77,000 Afghans who fled the Taliban are also part of the affected population under existing parole programs, according to CBS News.
Revoking the TPS for Ukrainian refugees would contrast starkly with President Biden’s commitment to supporting these individuals through the “Uniting for Ukraine” initiative. This program was designed to assist Ukrainians suffering from the results of the ongoing conflict caused by Russia’s incursion while enabling American citizens to sponsor their arrival in the U.S.
Additionally, the contentious relationship between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to unfold. Their recent meeting in the Oval Office was reportedly tense, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance perceiving Zelenskyy as being “disrespectful” while discussions took place regarding a potential peace agreement with Putin. Previously, Trump had made concerning remarks about Zelenskyy being a “dictator,” a comment he later seemed to retract.
In conclusion, President Trump’s plan to revoke temporary legal status for Ukrainians fleeing the conflict with Russia raises significant concerns regarding potential deportations. This action aligns with his broader strategy to dismantle humanitarian protections for various migrant groups, contrasting sharply with initiatives introduced by President Biden. The ongoing tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy further complicate the geopolitical landscape, highlighting the intricate relationship between U.S. immigration policy and international diplomacy.
Original Source: www.forbes.com
