Trump Plans to Revoke Legal Status for 240,000 Ukrainians Amid Deportation Drive
President Trump is planning to revoke temporary legal status for 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the war with Russia, potentially leading to their deportation. This action is aligned with a broader initiative to terminate legal protections for millions of migrants. The decision marks a stark contrast to the Biden administration’s policies aimed at welcoming Ukrainian refugees amidst ongoing disputes between Trump and Ukraine’s leadership.
President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to revoke the temporary legal status of approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who escaped Russia’s invasion, as noted by Reuters. This decision follows an escalating conflict between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alongside Trump’s broader efforts to increase deportations of migrants.
The revocation could occur as soon as April, potentially leading to the deportation of these Ukrainians. The Trump administration aims to terminate temporary legal status for over 1.8 million migrants admitted under humanitarian parole programs established by President Joe Biden. The White House and the Ukrainian embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comments concerning this reported decision.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is granted by the Department of Homeland Security to nationals from countries experiencing conflict, disasters, or exceptional conditions. Currently, Ukraine has been designated for TPS due to the ongoing war, a status extended to October 2026 by then-Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Additionally, Trump signed an executive order on January 20 to terminate categorical parole programs. This plan is likely to affect migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, potentially impacting over 530,000 individuals. Furthermore, approximately 77,000 Afghans who fled the Taliban are also at risk due to similar policies.
Revoking TPS for Ukrainians represents a significant shift from Biden’s approach to welcoming refugees through the “Uniting for Ukraine” initiative. This program was designed to offer shelter to those affected by Russia’s invasion. Trump has been vocal about pursuing extensive deportations, asserting a commitment to remove migrants with criminal accusations against them.
The conflict between Trump and Zelenskyy has intensified, particularly after a recent Oval Office meeting marked by tension, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy for his demeanor. Trump has advocated for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia and has previously made controversial remarks about Zelenskyy, including claims of him being a “dictator.”
This situation highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding U.S. immigration policy and international relations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
In conclusion, President Trump’s reported plan to revoke the temporary legal status for 240,000 Ukrainians signifies a critical shift in U.S. immigration policy. This decision, part of a broader strategy to increase deportations, raises concerns about the welfare of vulnerable migrants amidst escalating tensions with Ukraine. The ongoing conflict between Trump and Zelenskyy further complicates diplomatic relations, emphasizing the intricacies of U.S. policy toward refugee resettlement and international alliances.
Original Source: www.forbes.com
