U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is preparing to revoke temporary legal status for approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the ongoing war with Russia, according to senior administration officials and sources familiar with the decision. This move could place thousands of refugees at risk of deportation as early as April.
The policy shift marks a significant reversal from the humanitarian protections provided under former President Joe Biden, who had granted Ukrainians legal status through temporary parole programs. The rollback, however, was reportedly in progress before Trump’s recent public dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Wider Immigration Crackdown
The decision to strip Ukrainians of their protections is part of a broader Trump administration initiative to dismantle parole programs that allowed over 1.8 million migrants to enter the U.S. legally under Biden-era policies. Alongside Ukrainians, the administration plans to revoke parole for approximately 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans as soon as this month.
Trump’s executive order, issued on January 20, directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to “terminate all categorical parole programs.” The DHS has not officially announced changes, but an internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) memo reviewed by Reuters indicated that migrants losing their parole status could face expedited removal.
Impact on Ukrainian Refugees
For many Ukrainians who sought safety in the U.S., the impending revocation of their legal status is causing immense uncertainty. Liana Avetisian, who fled Kyiv in 2023 with her family and settled in Iowa, now faces an uncertain future. Her work permit and parole status expire in May, and she has spent thousands of dollars trying to secure alternative legal pathways.
“We don’t know what to do,” Avetisian said, highlighting the emotional and financial toll of the sudden policy change.
Fallout for Afghan Allies
The policy shift is also affecting Afghans who aided U.S. forces and sought refuge in America following the Taliban’s return to power. A former Afghan intelligence officer, known as Rafi, legally entered the U.S. in early 2024 through the CBP One mobile app. However, he was detained at an ICE office in Virginia in February and now faces deportation despite his record of assisting U.S. military operations.
“When someone stands shoulder to shoulder with American troops and puts his life in danger… I wasn’t expecting this behavior from them,” Rafi said from detention, expressing feelings of betrayal.
His attorney appealed to ICE for his release, citing his clean record and pending asylum case, but officials declined the request. “The priorities that you mentioned in your email ended on January 20, 2025,” ICE Assistant Field Director James Mullan stated, referencing the date of Trump’s inauguration.
Political and Humanitarian Implications
The administration’s decision to revoke protections for Ukrainians and other migrants is likely to spark international criticism and domestic legal challenges. As Ukraine continues to battle Russian aggression, the move could also strain U.S.-Ukraine relations.
Meanwhile, immigration advocates warn that rescinding parole protections could push thousands into precarious situations, forcing them to return to conflict zones or live in the U.S. without legal status.
The White House and the Ukrainian embassy have yet to comment on the decision. However, with the policy set to take effect in the coming weeks, thousands of refugees now face an uncertain and potentially perilous future.
