Trump’s Plan to Revoke Legal Status for Ukrainians Amidst Rising…

President Trump aims to cancel legal status for 240,000 Ukrainians fleeing war, aligning with broader deportation efforts. This could reverse recent humanitarian policies and worsen U.S.-Ukraine relations amid contentious interactions with Zelenskyy.

President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to revoke the temporary legal status for approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who sought refuge from Russia’s invasion. This move is seen as part of Trump’s initiative to increase deportations amid rising tensions between him and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The revocation could take place as early as April, potentially leading to deportations for the affected Ukrainians, according to sources from the Trump administration. This action aligns with Trump’s broader aim to rescind humanitarian parole programs established by President Joe Biden, which have allowed over 1.8 million migrants to reside in the United States legally.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is granted by the Department of Homeland Security to nationals from countries experiencing crises, permitting them to live and work in the U.S. TPS was designated for Ukraine back in March 2022 and has been extended through October 2026. This status protects individuals from deportation while allowing them employment opportunities.

In addition to Ukrainians, the Trump administration may revoke legal status for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, affecting over 530,000 individuals. Furthermore, approximately 77,000 Afghans under similar status may also be impacted, following an executive order from Trump requesting the termination of all categorical parole programs.

This potential action represents a significant departure from Biden’s welcoming stance towards Ukrainian refugees and the goals of the “Uniting for Ukraine” initiative. This program was initially designed to help Ukrainians affected by the war to enter and reside temporarily in the U.S.

The tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy have escalated recently, especially during a combative meeting in the Oval Office. During the meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy for his demeanor and his reluctance to accept a peace deal with Putin. Trump has previously labeled Zelenskyy as a “dictator”, further complicating their relationship.

In summary, President Trump’s plan to revoke temporary legal status for 240,000 Ukrainians marks a major shift from Biden’s refugee policies amidst ongoing disputes with Ukrainian leadership. Alongside this, the administration’s efforts to terminate TPS for other nationalities could further impact those fleeing crises in their home countries. This situation highlights the broader political conflict surrounding immigration policy and humanitarian measures in the U.S.

Original Source: www.forbes.com