Trump Moves to End Protection for 240K Ukrainians—Here’s What It Means for Those Facing Deportation

The Trump administration is reportedly considering revoking the legal status of approximately 240,000 Ukrainian refugees who fled to the United States following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This move, part of a broader effort to tighten immigration policies, could lead to mass deportations as early as April 2025.

What’s Changing?

The potential deportations stem from President Donald Trump’s Executive Order Securing Our Borders, which was signed in January 2025. The order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to terminate certain immigration programs, including:

• Uniting for Ukraine (U4U): A Biden-era humanitarian parole program that granted temporary refuge to Ukrainian citizens fleeing war.
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians: A program that shielded Ukrainian nationals in the U.S. from deportation due to the ongoing war in their home country.

The suspension of these programs would leave thousands of Ukrainians without legal status, making them vulnerable to deportation orders.

For details on TPS and humanitarian parole policies, visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): uscis.gov

What Is Uniting for Ukraine (U4U)?

The Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program was introduced in April 2022 as a response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It allowed Ukrainian citizens to seek two-year humanitarian parole in the U.S. if they had an American sponsor who agreed to provide financial support.

Since its inception, over 170,000 Ukrainians have entered the U.S. through this program, many of whom have started businesses, enrolled in schools, and built lives in the country.

More on U4U: DHS Official Website: dhs.gov

What Is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a U.S. immigration program that grants work authorization and protection from deportation to nationals of designated countries facing crises, including armed conflict or natural disasters.

Ukraine was first designated for TPS on April 19, 2022, and has since been extended multiple times under the Biden administration.

For TPS details and eligibility: USCIS TPS Ukraine Page: uscis.gov

Why Are Ukrainians at Risk?

In a recent interview, President Trump did not confirm immediate plans to revoke TPS or U4U but stated, “We are looking at all immigration programs carefully. We want people coming in legally and properly.”

However, internal DHS documents suggest that officials are already drafting policies to revoke these protections and begin deportation proceedings by mid-2025.

According to The Times, U.S. immigration officials have received preliminary guidance to begin evaluating cases of Ukrainian nationals currently residing in the U.S. under temporary protections.

Impact on Ukrainian Refugees

The possible revocation of TPS and U4U has sparked widespread fear among Ukrainian immigrants, many of whom have no home to return to due to Russia’s ongoing military aggression.

• Economic Impact: Thousands of Ukrainians currently work in the U.S. under TPS and humanitarian parole. Revoking these statuses could leave them jobless and vulnerable.
• Family Separations: Many Ukrainian families in the U.S. have children enrolled in schools or relatives serving in the U.S. military. Deportation could separate families and disrupt their lives.
• Humanitarian Concerns: Immigration advocacy groups, including Human Rights Watch and American Immigration Council, have urged the Biden administration to extend protections for Ukrainians, arguing that deporting refugees to an active war zone would be inhumane.

Read more on Ukrainian refugee policies: hrw.org

Responses from the Ukrainian Community

Ukrainian-American communities, particularly in cities like Chicago, New York, and Cleveland, have expressed concern and outrage over the potential deportations.

A Ukrainian refugee in Chicago, speaking anonymously, said:

“We built our lives here. We work hard, we pay taxes, and now we’re being told we may have to leave? It’s heartbreaking.”

Ukrainian government officials have also called on the U.S. to reconsider. The Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, stated:

“Ukraine is still at war. Sending refugees back would put lives at risk. We ask the U.S. to continue supporting our people.”

What Happens Next?

While the Trump administration has not officially terminated these programs yet, all signs indicate that significant changes are on the horizon. If TPS and U4U are revoked, affected Ukrainians may need to leave the U.S. or seek alternative legal options.

Experts recommend that Ukrainian refugees:

1. Regularly check their immigration status via uscis.gov
2. Consult immigration lawyers to explore legal options.
3. Engage with advocacy groups pushing for extensions of TPS and U4U.

Conclusion

The potential revocation of legal protections for 240,000 Ukrainians is a pressing issue that could redefine U.S. immigration policy. While DHS and the Trump administration have not finalized deportation plans, Ukrainian refugees and advocates are bracing for significant legal battles ahead.

For the latest updates on TPS and U4U, visit:

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): uscis.gov
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): dhs.gov
• American Immigration Council: americanimmigrationcouncil.org

As discussions continue, the fate of thousands of Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. remains uncertain. The coming months will determine whether they will be allowed to stay—or forced to leave.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.