1 Year Extension for Many Ukrainians

The Biden administration is extending protections to thousands of Ukrainians who left their homeland when the war with Russia began. USCIS issued new guidance on March 13, 2022, informing Ukrainian beneficiaries there is a 1-year extension for many Ukrainians who fled their homes in the first months after Russia’s invasion. Because the war is continuing, many Ukrainians who fled to the United States are fearful because their 1 year protected status will expire soon.

The Department of Homeland Security said the extension is for certain Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members who were let into the U.S. before the Uniting for Ukraine program started. These individuals arrived through the southern border with Mexico.

• Ukrainians who entered the United States under the Uniting for Ukraine program were given 2 years of humanitarian “parole” in the U.S.
• About 20,00 Ukrainians who arrived before the Uniting for Ukraine program began received permission to stay for 1 year.
• This extension applies to Ukrainians who arrived in the U.S. on February 24, 2022, through April 25, 2022.
• They do not need to file any paperwork with the government to get the extension.
• DHS will review cases over the next 4 weeks to determine who is eligible for the extension.

Regarding the 1-year extension for many Ukrainians, homeland Security spokesperson Angelo Fernández Hernández said:

“As Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the unprecedented humanitarian crisis it has caused continue, DHS assesses that there remain urgent humanitarian reasons, as well as a significant public benefit, for extending the parole of certain Ukrainians and family members on a case-by-case basis to align with the parole provided under Uniting for Ukraine.” 

Ukrainians who have lived in the U.S. since April 19, 2022, can apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This program allows immigrants from crisis-stricken countries to obtain work permits and deportation protections.

Benefits of TPS

The USCIS gave Ukrainians Temporary Protected Status in 2022. There are many benefits of TPS  status, including:

• are not removable from the U.S. and can remain in the U.S. without fear of deportation or removal proceedings, as long as the individual is adhering to all other applicable immigration law
• can a be eligible for employment through an employment authorization document (EAD)
• may be granted travel authorization under certain conditions

To legally remain in the U.S. permanently, Ukrainians must apply for other immigration benefits such as family-based green cards.

Immigration Protections for Ukrainians

An immigration attorney can help Ukrainians with immigration applications, including green cards. A deportation defense lawyer can provide advice, guidance and representation to help you fight removal from the United States. For a confidential consultation to learn how an attorney can help your case, contact the experienced immigration attorneys at Godoy Law at 630-912-0322.