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Trump’s Plan to Revoke Legal Status for 240,000 Ukrainians Amid Tensions with Zelenskyy

President Trump plans to revoke temporary legal status for 240,000 Ukrainians sheltered from the Russian invasion, potentially leading to deportations. This action aligns with broader initiatives to eliminate similar statuses for over 1.8 million migrants under former President Biden’s humanitarian parole. The ongoing tension between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy further exacerbates the situation.

According to a report by Reuters, President Donald Trump is planning to revoke the temporary protected status for approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the Russian invasion. This anticipated action is expected to occur as early as April and could lead to possible deportations, escalating tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amid Trump’s initiative to increase migrant deportations.

The potential revocation is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to eliminate temporary legal status for over 1.8 million migrants granted entry under humanitarian parole by President Joe Biden. Both the White House and Ukraine’s embassy in Washington have not yet responded to inquiries regarding this matter.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for countries facing dangerous conditions that prevent safe return for their residents. In March 2022, Ukraine was designated for TPS due to the ongoing conflict caused by Russia’s invasion, and this designation was recently extended through October 2026.

In addition to Ukrainian migrants, those from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela may also face revocation of temporary legal status. An executive order signed by Trump on January 20 requested the DHS to terminate all categorical parole programs, potentially impacting over 530,000 individuals including 77,000 Afghans who escaped from the Taliban.

If implemented, the revocation of TPS for these individuals would contrast the Biden administration’s goal of supporting Ukrainian refugees through the “Uniting for Ukraine” initiative. This program aimed to temporarily permit Ukrainians fleeing conflict to reside in the U.S. while encouraging American sponsorship.

The ongoing dispute between Trump and Zelenskyy has taken a sharp turn, highlighted by a recent tense meeting in the Oval Office where Zelenskyy reportedly reacted to suggestions from Trump and Vice President JD Vance regarding peace negotiations with Russia. Trump has publicly criticized Zelenskyy, calling him “disrespectful” and going as far as labeling him a “dictator,” although he later retracted some of these statements ongoing tensions remain evident.

In conclusion, President Trump’s reported plans to revoke temporary legal status for approximately 240,000 Ukrainian migrants represent a significant shift in U.S. policy amidst ongoing tensions with Ukraine. This move aligns with the broader initiative to eliminate temporary legal statuses for millions of migrants under humanitarian parole. Such actions could adversely impact numerous vulnerable populations, marking a notable contrast to the previous administration’s refugee programs. The evolving dynamics between Trump and Zelenskyy further complicate the scenario, underscoring political friction in addressing the humanitarian crisis resultant from the war in Ukraine.

Original Source: www.forbes.com

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