President Trump plans to revoke temporary legal status for around 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the war caused by Russia’s invasion. This action aligns with broader efforts to alter U.S. immigration policy affecting numerous migrant groups. The move has caused rising tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, highlighting a divergence from Biden’s welcoming approach to Ukrainian refugees.
Reports indicate that President Donald Trump is planning to revoke the temporary legal status for approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the war caused by Russia’s invasion. This action, anticipated as early as April, appears to coincide with Trump’s ongoing efforts to increase deportations and intensifies tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The planned revocation aligns with a broader initiative by the Trump administration aimed at terminating temporary legal statuses for over 1.8 million migrants currently residing in the United States under humanitarian programs established by President Joe Biden. Recent reports highlight that neither the White House nor the Ukrainian embassy in Washington have provided comments regarding these developments.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is granted by the Department of Homeland Security to nationals from countries facing unsafe conditions due to armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances. TPS allows these individuals to work legally in the U.S. and protects them from deportation. Ukraine was designated for TPS by then-Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in March 2022 and was recently extended through October 2026.
In addition to the Ukrainian nationals, it is reported that the Trump administration also plans to revoke TPS for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, potentially affecting over 530,000 individuals from these countries. Furthermore, around 77,000 Afghans, who escaped from Taliban rule, are included in the affected groups under this executive order.
Revoking the temporary legal status for Ukrainians would represent a significant shift from President Biden’s policies aimed at assisting Ukrainian refugees. The Biden administration’s “Uniting for Ukraine” initiative seeks to offer refuge and support to those affected by the conflict, while Trump has described his administration’s deportation efforts as unprecedented in history.
The current situation is exacerbated by a recent contentious meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, where both parties exchanged accusations. Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy for perceived disrespect during discussions on peace negotiations with Russia. This ongoing spat reflects Trump’s preceding claims that Zelenskyy is a “dictator,” although he later retracted this assertion, indicating a complex and evolving relationship between the two leaders.
The reported plans by President Trump to revoke temporary legal status for Ukrainian refugees mark a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, countering the previous administration’s efforts to support displaced Ukrainians. This decision coincides with broader changes affecting multiple migrant communities and reflects escalating tensions between Trump and President Zelenskyy. If enacted, these policies could impact the lives of approximately 240,000 Ukrainians and over 1.8 million migrants from various countries. The evolving political landscape underscores the complexities surrounding humanitarian efforts and diplomatic relations.
Original Source: www.forbes.com
