Trump’s Plan to Revoke Temporary Legal Status for Ukrainians Amid Tensions with Zelenskyy
President Trump is set to revoke temporary legal status for around 240,000 Ukrainians who fled from the war, amid rising tensions with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. This revocation aligns with Trump’s broader goal of canceling legal protections for millions of migrants under humanitarian programs initiated by President Biden. The move could result in significant deportations of various migrant groups, marking a stark policy shift.
Recent reports indicate that President Donald Trump plans to revoke the temporary legal status of approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the conflict with Russia. This decision follows heightened tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and aims to bolster deportations. The move could lead to deportation as soon as April, according to senior officials and sources familiar with the situation.
This action aligns with a broader initiative by the Trump administration targeting over 1.8 million migrants who entered the U.S. through humanitarian parole programs initiated under President Joe Biden. The White House and the Ukrainian embassy have not yet provided feedback on these developments.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is granted by the Department of Homeland Security to countries where residents cannot safely return due to armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. Under TPS, individuals from designated countries can work in the U.S. and are protected from deportation. Ukraine was designated for TPS shortly after Russia’s invasion in March 2022, with extensions provided through October 2026.
The potential revocation also may include migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, affecting over 530,000 individuals. Additionally, about 77,000 Afghans who fled from the Taliban could also lose their legal status, as the Trump administration moves to dissolve categorical parole programs.
This shift represents a significant departure from President Biden’s welcoming stance towards Ukrainian refugees and the “Uniting for Ukraine” initiative aimed at providing relief. This program was designed to support Ukrainians affected by Russia’s unprovoked aggression by allowing them to enter the U.S. and seek temporary residence.
The backdrop to this decision is a growing rift between Trump and Zelenskyy, highlighted during a recent Oval Office meeting where tensions escalated. Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of being disrespectful as discussions on potential peace negotiations with Russia became contentious. Despite previously labeling Zelenskyy as a dictator, Trump has shown a willingness to negotiate terms that would potentially favor a resolution to the conflict with Russia.
In summary, President Trump’s plans to revoke TPS for many Ukrainians, along with other migrants from Latin America and Afghanistan, signals a significant policy shift aimed at increasing deportations. As tensions with Ukrainian leadership escalate, this action contradicts the previous administration’s support for Ukrainian refugees. The full impact of these changes remains to be seen, particularly in relation to ongoing debates about U.S. immigration policies and humanitarian assistance efforts.
Original Source: www.forbes.com
