Over 100,000 Ukrainians in US face uncertainty as Trump weighs temporary protection - Politico
More than 100,000 Ukrainians living in the United States face uncertainty as their temporary protected status approaches an October 19 deadline, with some lawmakers urging the Trump administration to simply let the deadline pass, Politico reported on October 8.
The administration can formally extend or terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows eligible Ukrainians who fled Russia's war to remain in the United States. If it takes no action by the deadline, the protection will automatically extend for another six months.
According to Politico, some lawmakers from both parties view inaction as a fallback option that would prevent deportations while allowing the White House to avoid a politically contentious decision ahead of the November midterm elections.
However, the approach could leave Ukrainians in legal uncertainty. The administration followed a similar course with Salvadoran TPS holders in September, raising questions about their ability to work and study legally.
"The significant political backlash that would come from the administration trying to deport Ukrainians is a major factor here," a congressional aide familiar with bipartisan discussions told Politico.
In a September 22 letter, a bipartisan group of senators urged the administration to extend the protections, warning that Ukrainian workers play important roles in the US transportation, health care and construction sectors.
The senators said revoking TPS could disrupt those industries and increase costs for American consumers.
A separate bipartisan bill in Congress would extend TPS for Ukrainians until 2029. The Department of Homeland Security has not publicly clarified what it plans to do before the October 19 deadline.
- Share: