Ukrainians in US to retain temporary protected status for now

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said this, Reuters reported, according to Ukrinform.

A DHS spokesperson said an announcement regarding TPS holders from Ukraine and Sudan would be made “at the appropriate time,” while their immigration protections would remain in effect.

Temporary Protected Status allows foreign nationals already in the United States to remain in the country and work legally when armed conflicts, natural disasters or other extraordinary conditions are occurring in their home countries.

This is the second extension in recent months for certain groups of immigrants holding TPS, despite the Donald Trump administration’s stepped-up efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.

In September, his administration allowed Salvadoran nationals to retain their protection. Meanwhile, decisions have previously been made to terminate TPS for nationals of Haiti, Venezuela, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and other countries.

The decision regarding Ukrainians comes amid deteriorating relations between the Trump administration and Ukraine. In recent days, the US President declined to step up sanctions against Russia over the war and lifted restrictions on Russian diesel fuel exports.

According to Reuters, around 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the war have registered for TPS in the United States. The status is also held by approximately 6,800 Sudanese nationals, as the war between the army and a paramilitary group has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

As reported by Ukrinform, Moldova is ready to accept a new influx of Ukrainian refugees if Ukraine faces a severe humanitarian situation this winter.