Ukrainians in U.S. Face Legal Uncertainty as Humanitarian Status Lapses

Ukrainians in U.S. Face Legal Uncertainty as Humanitarian Status Lapses
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Nearly 200,000 Ukrainians living in the United States are facing the possibility of losing their legal status due to prolonged processing delays in a humanitarian program created for those displaced by the war, Reuters reported. The initiative, launched in April 2022, allowed roughly 260,000 Ukrainians to enter the country for a two-year period, but many now find themselves in limbo after the Trump administration paused renewals earlier this year.

When work permits expire, individuals lose their jobs, health insurance, and legal protections, leaving many unable to support themselves or relatives abroad. Several Ukrainians told Reuters they fear arrest by immigration authorities and are restricting their movements to avoid detention. Others have already left the U.S. for Canada, Europe, or South America to avoid potential penalties.

Although a court ruling required the government to restart application processing, only a small fraction of renewals have been approved. New federal fees exceeding $2,300 per person have added further strain. Legal aid groups report a growing number of detentions, including workers stopped during job-site inspections or broader enforcement sweeps.

Some Ukrainians have attempted “self-deportation” to prevent future bans, while others seek refuge in countries offering humanitarian pathways. U.S. lawmakers and immigration advocates warn that continued delays are destabilizing thousands of families and leaving many at risk of deportation despite having followed legal procedures.