Trump Aims to Revoke Legal Status for 240,000 Ukrainians Amid Deportation Push
President Trump’s plan to revoke temporary legal status for 240,000 Ukrainians ties into a larger deportation strategy affecting over 1.8 million migrants. The move, expected by April, contradicts Biden’s recent humanitarian initiatives and stems from ongoing tensions with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to revoke temporary legal status for approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who escaped Russia’s invasion. This decision follows increasing tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and is part of Trump’s broader initiative to enhance deportations.
The expected revocation could happen as early as April, potentially setting these Ukrainians up for deportation. Reports indicate that this action aligns with Trump’s larger strategy to eliminate temporary legal status for over 1.8 million migrants granted entry into the U.S. through humanitarian parole programs initiated under President Joe Biden.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is designated by the Department of Homeland Security for countries unable to safely welcome back their residents due to conflict, disasters, or other crises. Ukraine received TPS in March 2022 following the invasion, subsequently extended through October 2026.
In addition to Ukrainian migrants, Trump is anticipated to revoke TPS for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who entered the U.S. with American sponsors, potentially impacting around 530,000 individuals. This may also include 77,000 Afghans who fled the Taliban.
Revoking the legal status of Ukrainians would counter Biden’s initiative aimed at supporting Ukrainian refugees amidst the war. The program was established to allow Ukrainians facing tragedy and loss due to the conflict with Russia to live temporarily in the U.S. while requiring local sponsorship.
This development is part of a broader feud between Trump and Zelenskyy, which escalated during a recent combative Oval Office meeting. Trump, along with Vice President JD Vance, criticized Zelenskyy for his demeanor and for resisting suggestions of a peace deal with Russia, reflecting ongoing tensions and differing views on the conflict’s resolution.
Trump had previously asserted that he would work towards resuming negotiations between Ukraine and Russia and made allegations against Zelenskyy concerning his governance, albeit later moderating those claims.
The potential revocation of temporary legal status for 240,000 Ukrainians by the Trump administration represents a significant policy shift that contrasts with previous humanitarian efforts. This measure also underscores the broader strategy of deportation impacting millions of migrants from various countries. Furthermore, escalating tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy indicate ongoing diplomatic complexities regarding the Ukraine conflict and may influence future U.S. immigration policies.
Original Source: www.forbes.com
