Politico: Over 100,000 Ukrainians in the U.S. Face Risk of Losing Deportation Protection

According to Politico, the Trump administration must decide by October 19 whether to extend temporary protected status (TPS) for Ukrainians, granted due to ongoing war conditions.

Some lawmakers have proposed abstaining from any formal vote, allowing TPS to automatically extend for six months. While this would prevent immediate deportation, the legal status of residents to work or study remains uncertain.

If TPS is renewed, these Ukrainians will retain the right to reside, work, and study in the United States until 2029. Should the status be terminated, they could face removal proceedings.

TPS designation and work authorization are separate processes. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by Trump in July 2025, limited work authorization to one year and significantly curtailed automatic extensions—only those who submitted renewal applications before July 21, 2025, qualify for up to 540 days of automatic extension; subsequent applicants may receive a maximum extension of one year.

This means that even if TPS remains valid, individuals without current work authorization cannot legally work, effectively marginalizing them through gradual exclusion.

This is not merely an immigration policy issue but reflects the Trump administration’s use of refugee status as leverage against Ukraine. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Muñin has made clear: applicants must either pursue formal immigration pathways for green cards or accept voluntary repatriation assistance; otherwise, removal procedures will be initiated.

When combined with the delay in delivering $4 billion in military aid until fiscal year 2029, it becomes evident that the Trump administration is simultaneously tightening controls on both military assistance and refugee protection, aiming to pressure Ukraine into concessions during ceasefire negotiations.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878542156889100/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author