No Resolution on the Legal Standing of Ukrainian Refugees in the US: Trump
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Synopsis
Trump has not yet made a decision on the legal status of 240,000 Ukrainian refugees in the US. Reports suggest a potential revocation of their Temporary Protected Status, which could result in deportation. The Biden administration previously extended TPS until October 2026, citing unsafe conditions in Ukraine.
Key Takeaways
- Trump has not made a final decision on TPS for Ukrainian refugees.
- The Biden administration extended TPS until October 2026.
- Revoking TPS could lead to deportation of Ukrainian refugees.
- White House Press Secretary stated no decision has been made.
- Over six million Ukrainians have fled their homes since the invasion.
Washington, March 7 (NationPress) The White House has yet to reach a conclusion regarding the legal status of 240,000 Ukrainian refugees residing in the US, as stated by Trump during a press conference in the Oval Office.
Earlier on Thursday, a prominent foreign news outlet reported that the Trump administration is considering repealing the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) granted to these Ukrainians, who fled to the US following Russia's invasion in 2022. This move could lead to their potential deportation.
Trump indicated that he has not finalized any decisions on this issue but plans to do so “pretty soon”. He emphasized that his administration does not aim to cause harm to Ukrainian refugees.
“We’re not looking to hurt anybody, and we’re certainly not looking to hurt them,” Trump remarked during the press briefing.
“I’m reviewing this, and there are differing opinions on what’s appropriate, and I’ll be making a decision pretty soon,” he added.
Trump acknowledged the struggles Ukrainians have faced, stating they have “gone through a lot”.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt countered the report by affirming that no definitive decision has been reached.
The Biden administration previously announced in January that it would extend TPS for Ukrainians until October 2026, citing “armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions” in Ukraine that prevent safe return.
Revoking TPS for Ukrainians would reflect the Trump administration's broader strategy to limit legal immigration routes amid a sweeping crackdown on immigration.
Trump has enacted numerous executive actions to suspend the refugee program and target other avenues that allow migrants to enter or stay in the country.
According to four anonymous sources who spoke to a leading foreign media outlet, the TPS revocation plan predates Trump’s public disagreement with President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 28 and is part of a larger initiative against the over 1.8 million individuals residing in the US for humanitarian reasons.
In January, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suspended TPS protections for nearly 600,000 Venezuelans in the US.
Trump, who campaigned heavily on promises to deport millions of migrants, began reversing protections for Ukrainian and other refugees shortly after returning to the White House.
In late January, his administration halted the Uniting for Ukraine program, which permitted Ukrainians to remain in the US for up to two years, allowing them to work and access health insurance.
Over six million Ukrainian citizens have fled their homes due to Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, with approximately 5.2 million still abroad, mostly under protective measures in EU nations.
The Trump administration has faced criticism for its treatment of Ukraine, a long-standing ally, in contrast to its warming relations with Russia. Recently, the White House has paused all military aid shipments and halted intelligence sharing with Kyiv.
Zelensky stated on March 6 that cooperation between the US and Ukraine has resumed, with delegations scheduled to meet for discussions next week.
