US Government Erroneously Informs Ukrainian Refugees to Depart
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Synopsis
In an administrative error, the US government mistakenly informed several Ukrainian refugees via email that their provisional legal status would be terminated in 7 days, triggering panic among the immigrant community. The DHS later acknowledged the mistake and reassured recipients that no action would be taken regarding their legal status.
Key Takeaways
- The US government mistakenly informed Ukrainian refugees about the termination of their legal status.
- The DHS admitted to the error and retracted the email.
- President Trump stated that a decision regarding the status of Ukrainian refugees is pending.
- The Biden administration had extended TPS for Ukrainians until October 2026.
- This incident reflects ongoing immigration policy challenges in the US.
Washington, April 5 (NationPress) In a significant administrative blunder, the US government inadvertently sent an email to numerous Ukrainian refugees, indicating that their provisional legal status would be revoked within 7 days and instructing them to exit the nation.
The notification received by those who fled to the US due to the ongoing conflict with Russia incited widespread alarm among the immigrant community this week.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) admitted to the mistake on Friday.
According to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, "A message was dispatched in error to some Ukrainians who entered the United States via the Uniting for Ukraine program."
The email, dated April 3, stated, "DHS is now exercising its discretion to terminate your parole," referencing the temporary legal status that the Biden administration had granted to countless Ukrainians.
"Unless it expires sooner, your parole will terminate 7 days from the date of this notice," it cautioned.
The agency took action by retracting the erroneous email on Friday, sending a clarifying message to the affected individuals, as reported by CBS.
The follow-up message read, "You may have received an email notification titled 'Notice of Termination of Parole.' The DHS sent this email to you in error. No action will be taken concerning your parole."
Last month, during a press conference in the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump mentioned that the White House has yet to reach a conclusion about the legal status of 240,000 Ukrainian refugees currently residing in the US.
Trump indicated that while he hadn't finalized a decision, he intended to do so "pretty soon" and reassured that his administration did not aim to harm refugees from Ukraine.
"We’re not looking to hurt anyone, and we’re certainly not looking to hurt them," Trump emphasized.
He acknowledged that there were differing opinions on the matter, stating, "And I’m considering that, and there were some people who think that’s appropriate, and some people don’t, and I’ll be making a decision pretty soon," adding that Ukrainians had "endured a lot."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt refuted reports at the time, asserting that no decision had been made.
The Biden administration had announced in January, prior to leaving office, that it would extend temporary protected status for Ukrainians until October 2026, citing "armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ukraine that prevent individuals from safely returning."
The potential cancellation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians would align with the Trump administration’s broader strategy to tighten immigration controls amid a significant crackdown on legal entry pathways into the US.
