This could have dangerous consequences, particularly for vulnerable Ukrainians who face a very real risk of physical harm. ❗️
The fact is, most recent arrivals from Ukraine came on humanitarian parole through the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program. If they are unable to have their re-parole, TPS, asylum, work permits, or green card applications processed, they have no means by which to extend their stay. This exposes them to high risk of being apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as well as local law enforcement officers.
With the expansion of “Expedited Removal,” a fast-tracked administrative protocol that allows DHS officers to detain and quickly deport individuals without due process or a hearing before an immigration judge, many Ukrainian humanitarian parolees are understandably anxious that they will be targeted by ICE. This is because the Trump Administration has designated recent arrivals who have been in the U.S. for less than two years as high priorities for Expedited Removal.
Even parolees who have been in the U.S. for two or more years are subject to the Trump Administration’s directive to allow DHS officers to review and terminate the parole status of any individual who no longer demonstrates the need to have humanitarian parole. This gives immigration officers full discretion to suddenly end a grant of parole for a person who may unexpectedly encounter ICE or law enforcement in the course of their day or during a traffic stop. Once their parole is terminated, they are subject to indefinite immigration detention and removal proceedings that could result in the Ukrainian individual being deported.
One of the bill’s co-sponsors, Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), urged his Republican colleagues “to join us in standing by displaced Ukrainians and standing up against Putin’s ruthless attempts to isolate and erase Ukraine.” As of now, no Republican Senators have co-sponsored the "Protecting our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act."
This is despite the fact that thousands of their constituents from different political perspectives generously welcomed approximately 280,000 Ukrainians into their homes and communities through the Uniting for Ukraine program. This shows that the American people care about the plight of Ukrainians and want to see them protected in the United States.
❗️ No matter what else Congress agrees or disagrees on with regard to Ukraine, Americans overwhelmingly agree that Ukrainian families fleeing war deserve protection in the United States. This is why both Republicans and Democrats petitioned the administration to protect Ukrainian newcomers from deportation and to prolong their lawful status here.❗️
U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) signed on to co-sponsor this important legislation. Senator Durbin, who is also the Democratic Whip, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, hopes that at least some Republican Senators will support his efforts to grant U4U parolees temporary guest status.
“The individuals included in the bill already underwent rigorous vetting to ensure that they present no criminal or public safety risks,” writes Sen. Durbin. “The legislation would also allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to revoke this temporary [guest] status if new information raises such concerns about any individual.”
The published press release can be found here:
https://ukrainetaskforce.org/sen-durbin-proposes-temporary-guest-status-to-protect-uniting-for-ukraine-u4u-parolees-from-losing-lawful-status-and-deportation/Ukraine Immigration Task Force
Ukrainian American Bar Association (UABA)
American Coalition for Ukraine
Honorary Consulate of Ukraine - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Welcome.usGlobal Refuge
Senator Dick Durbin
Senator Amy Klobuchar
Senator Tammy Duckworth
Senator Richard Blumenthal
Senator Van Hollen
Sen. Jacky Rosen
Peter Welch
Philadelphia Inquirer
Washington Post
The Baltimore Sun
