Trump Administration Moves to End Protections for 240,000 Ukrainian Refugees, Raising Deportation Concerns
The Trump administration is preparing to revoke temporary legal protections for approximately 240,000 Ukrainianswho fled the war with Russia, a senior Trump official and multiple sources familiar with the matter confirmed. The move, expected as early as April, marks a stark reversal from the Biden administration’s previous policies, which welcomed Ukrainian refugees under humanitarian parole programs.
Sweeping Immigration Rollbacks Underway
This decision is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to eliminate legal protections for over 1.8 million migrants who entered the U.S. under temporary humanitarian parole programs initiated by President Joe Biden. The rollback was already in progress before former President Donald Trump’s recent public dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Despite reports, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt refuted claims that a final decision had been made, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that “no decision has been made at this time.” Similarly, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said there were no new announcements. The Ukrainian government has yet to comment on the issue.
A January 20 executive order from Trump directed DHS to “terminate all categorical parole programs,” laying the groundwork for widespread policy changes.
Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans Also Targeted
Alongside Ukrainians, the administration plans to revoke parole protections for about 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans as soon as this month. Migrants losing parole status could face fast-track deportation proceedings, according to an internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) email reviewed by Reuters.
Under expedited removal, migrants who crossed illegally can be deported within two years of entry. However, those who entered through legal ports of entry under parole—without being formally admitted—can be removed at any time without a time limit, the email stated.
Biden’s parole programs were designed to provide humanitarian relief and discourage illegal border crossings by establishing temporary legal pathways. Along with Ukrainians and Latin American migrants, these programs covered more than 70,000 Afghans who fled Taliban rule and an additional 1 million migrants who scheduled border entry through the CBP One app.
Ukrainian Refugees Left in Legal Limbo
Many Ukrainian refugees now fear deportation. Among them is Liana Avetisian, who fled Kyiv with her family in May 2023 and settled in DeWitt, Iowa. She now works assembling windows, while her husband works in construction. Their parole and work permits expire in May, and they have already spent $4,000 in filing fees to renew their status and apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
“We don’t know what to do,” Avetisian said, worried about the possibility of losing her legal status.
Afghan Allies Caught in the Crackdown
Afghans who assisted the U.S. military are also affected. Rafi, a former Afghan intelligence officer trained by American operatives, entered the U.S. legally in January 2024 using the CBP One app at the U.S.-Mexico border. He received two years of humanitarian parole but was detained on February 13 at an ICE office in Chantilly, Virginia, where his status was revoked.
According to an October 2022 recommendation letter reviewed by Reuters, Rafi provided intelligence on high-value targets and was in extreme danger due to his cooperation with U.S. forces.
Despite applying for asylum and awaiting a hearing in April, Rafi was arrested at his ICE check-in. “I have broken no law,” he said, feeling betrayed after risking his life for U.S. troops.
His lawyer petitioned for his release, arguing he had no criminal record, was not a flight risk, and had an active asylum case. However, James Mullan, assistant field office director at ICE’s Washington office, denied the request, citing the Trump administration’s new enforcement priorities.
“The priorities that you mentioned in your email ended on January 20, 2025,” Mullan wrote, referring to Trump’s inauguration day.
Future of Parole Programs Uncertain
Trump previously vowed to end Biden’s immigration programs, arguing they exceeded legal limits. His administration had already halted immigration-related applications for parole recipients, leaving thousands—including Ukrainians and Afghan allies—uncertain about their future in the U.S.
The decision to revoke parole protections for migrants remains a high-stakes issue with both humanitarian and political implications as the administration reshapes U.S. immigration policy.
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