In a drastic shift from the humanitarian policies of the previous administration, President Donald Trump's administration is reportedly planning to revoke temporary legal status for approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the ongoing conflict with Russia. According to sources familiar with the matter, this move is part of a broader effort to dismantle Biden-era humanitarian parole programs, which have provided relief to over 1.8 million migrants.
The Implications of Revoking Parole Status
This decision, expected as early as April, would not only impact Ukrainians but also approximately 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. Additionally, Afghans who sought refuge in the U.S. following the Taliban takeover and migrants utilizing the CBP One app to schedule border crossings may also face uncertainty regarding their status.
Under Biden's administration, these humanitarian parole programs were designed to create legal pathways for vulnerable populations while discouraging irregular migration. Now, under Trump's executive order issued on January 20, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is directed to terminate all categorical parole programs. This directive places hundreds of thousands of individuals at risk of expedited removal.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
The implications of revoking parole are profound. Unlike individuals who enter the U.S. illegally, those on parole lack a statutory time limit protecting them from expedited removal. This means that individuals who lawfully entered the country under these programs could be deported without lengthy legal proceedings.
Take, for example, the case of Liana Avetisian and her family, who fled Kyiv in 2023 and settled in DeWitt, Iowa. Their work permits and parole status expire in May, and their future in the U.S. is now uncertain despite having spent thousands of dollars attempting to secure their legal status. Similarly, Rafi, an Afghan intelligence officer who aided U.S. forces, had his parole status revoked in February, leading to his detention despite his ongoing asylum claim.
These stories illustrate the broader consequences of this policy shift: individuals who legally entered the country under the promise of humanitarian protection are now facing deportation, separating families and placing many in life-threatening situations if forced to return to their home countries.
The Path Forward
The administration's plan raises serious legal questions about the government's commitment to international humanitarian obligations. Critics argue that stripping parole status from vulnerable populations not only contradicts past U.S. policies but also undermines national security by alienating key allies, such as Afghan nationals who assisted U.S. military efforts.
At Saluja Law, we remain committed to assisting affected individuals and advocating for fair and just immigration policies. If you or someone you know is impacted by these changes, we encourage you to seek legal counsel immediately. The landscape of immigration law is rapidly shifting, and understanding your rights and legal options is more crucial than ever.