President Trump plans to revoke the temporary legal status of 240,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war in Ukraine, potentially leading to their deportation. This action aligns with a broader effort to rescind protections for over 1.8 million migrants under humanitarian parole. The initiative arises amid heightened tensions with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and is framed within Trump’s larger immigration strategy.
President Donald Trump is considering revoking the temporary legal status for approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the country due to Russia’s invasion. This action, anticipated to occur in April, follows a series of escalating tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alongside Trump’s initiative aimed at increasing deportations. This move is part of a broader strategy to rescind temporary legal status for over 1.8 million migrants granted humanitarian parole by President Joe Biden.
The potential revocation would considerably heighten the risk of deportation for these Ukrainians, as confirmed by a senior Trump administration official and other informed sources. The White House and Ukraine’s embassy did not provide immediate comments on the report. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is designated by the Department of Homeland Security for residents unable to return home due to unsafe conditions, with Ukraine receiving TPS from Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in March 2022 amid ongoing military conflict with Russia.
Furthermore, the Trump administration has indicated plans to revoke temporary legal status for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. An executive order signed on January 20 seeks to terminate all categorical parole programs, potentially impacting over 530,000 individuals, including 77,000 Afghans who fled the Taliban. This proposed action could significantly reverse the Biden administration’s efforts to support Ukrainian refugees through the ‘Uniting for Ukraine’ initiative aimed at providing temporary refuge amidst substantial hardships.
The ongoing disagreement between Trump and Zelenskyy has intensified, particularly after a combative meeting where Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy for perceived disrespect. This dispute has unfolded alongside Trump’s insistence on pursuing peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, at times questioning Zelenskyy’s leadership.
In summary, President Trump’s plan to revoke the temporary legal status of 240,000 Ukrainians marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, particularly against the backdrop of tense relations with Ukraine’s leadership. This initiative, if realized, not only threatens those individuals’ residency but also contradicts the previous administration’s humanitarian efforts to assist Ukrainian refugees. Furthermore, it may affect other migrant groups, highlighting a broader approach to immigration reform during Trump’s administration.
Original Source: www.forbes.com
