The Biden administration has announced a significant expansion of temporary legal status for Ukrainians who are already living in the United States. This expansion grants reprieve to those who fled Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Department of Homeland Security stated that this move will make approximately 166,700 Ukrainians eligible for Temporary Protected Status, a significant increase from the current 26,000. To qualify, Ukrainians must have been in the United States by August 16th, two days before the announcement, and they will also be eligible for work authorization.
The temporary status, which was originally set to expire on October 19th, 2023, will now be extended for an additional 18 months until April 19th, 2025.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated, “Russia’s ongoing military invasion of Ukraine and the resulting humanitarian crisis requires that the United States continue to offer safety and protection to Ukrainians who may not be able to return to their country.”
In addition to the expansion for Ukrainians, Homeland Security also expanded Temporary Protected Status for Sudanese individuals who were in the United States by August 16th. This expansion was due to the violent clashes that occurred in Sudan in April, which have led to a significant degree of instability. Around 2,750 Sudanese people will now be eligible for Temporary Protected Status, bringing the total to 3,950. This marks the 16th extension of Temporary Protected Status for Sudanese individuals since it was first granted in 1997.
Secretary Mayorkas emphasized that, “Since the military takeover of its government and the recent violent clashes, Sudan has experienced political instability and ongoing conflict that has resulted in a humanitarian crisis.”
These expansions are part of the Biden administration’s ongoing efforts to extend Temporary Protected Status to individuals from various countries, such as Cameroon, Haiti, and Venezuela. This approach combines more legal entries on humanitarian grounds with stricter measures against illegal immigration.
The authority to grant temporary status to individuals already in the United States who are from countries struck by civil strife or natural disaster is provided by a 1990 law. Ukrainians were first granted Temporary Protected Status immediately after Russia’s invasion, and then humanitarian parole was added for those who were not in the United States, following its success, the government extended the same benefit to people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
This latest announcement gives Ukrainians additional time, as their two-year parole was set to expire early next year. On the other hand, Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans face more uncertainty regarding their status.
However, it is important to note that Texas and other Republican-led states are contesting the parole for up to 30,000 people a month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, but they are not challenging the status for Ukrainians. A trial is scheduled to take place next week in Victoria, Texas.
Ukrainian immigrants are spread throughout the United States, with the largest concentrations in the metropolitan areas of New York, Chicago, Seattle, and Sacramento, California.
Perspective:
The expansion of temporary status for Ukrainians already in the U.S. is a significant step by the Biden administration to support those who fled Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. By offering safety and protection to Ukrainians who may not be able to return to their country, the United States acknowledges the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s actions. This move demonstrates the administration’s commitment to a compassionate immigration policy while also addressing the concerns of other Republican-led states regarding parole for individuals from other countries. The trial scheduled in Texas will provide further clarity on the legal challenges surrounding this issue. Overall, the expanded temporary status for Ukrainians highlights the administration’s effort to prioritize human rights and provide assistance to those in need.
