Trump’s Plan to Revoke Legal Status for Ukrainians Amid Escalating Tensions
President Donald Trump plans to revoke TPS for 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the war, coinciding with rising tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and broader deportation efforts targeting over 1.8 million migrants. This policy shift reverses the Biden administration’s supportive measures for Ukrainian refugees.
President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to revoke the temporary legal status of approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the war in their homeland due to Russia’s invasion. This move comes amidst a rising conflict between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alongside Trump’s initiative to increase deportations.
The revocation is anticipated to take effect as early as April, potentially leading to deportation. Insiders suggest this decision aligns with a broader effort by the Trump administration to annul temporary legal status for over 1.8 million migrants who entered the United States under humanitarian parole established by President Joe Biden.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a designation from the Department of Homeland Security for nations where residents cannot return home safely due to ongoing conflicts, disasters, or extraordinary circumstances. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas designated Ukraine for TPS in March 2022, with an extension through October 2026.
In addition to Ukrainian migrants, the Trump administration may also revoke legal status for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This decision could impact over 530,000 individuals from these countries, along with 77,000 Afghans who fled the Taliban regime under similar programs.
Revoking TPS for these individuals would mark a significant reversal of the Biden administration’s welcoming policies towards Ukrainian refugees and the “Uniting for Ukraine” initiative. This program aimed to provide refuge for those experiencing severe hardship from the conflict, inviting U.S. citizens to sponsor these refugees.
In summary, President Trump’s intentions to revoke the temporary legal status of nearly 240,000 Ukrainians exemplify a shift in immigration policy, potentially leading to widespread deportations. This decision is part of a broader endeavor to dismantle protective measures for numerous migrant populations, which contrasts sharply with the previous administration’s efforts to support Ukrainian refugees. The ongoing tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy further complicate this situation, hinting at a distressed diplomatic relationship.
Original Source: www.forbes.com
