Trump Administration Apologizes for Mistaken Deportation Notices to Ukrainian Refugees:

The U.S. government mistakenly sent deportation notices to some Ukrainian refugees who fled the Russian invasion. The emails incorrectly stated that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had decided to end their temporary legal status, warning recipients to leave the country within seven days.

The notice, dated April 3, told Ukrainians under the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program that their “parole” – the temporary protected status allowing them to stay legally in the U.S. – would be revoked. The email urged them to depart immediately and warned that those who stayed would face “removal from the United States.”

DHS Issues Clarification and Apology

On April 5, DHS issued a statement admitting the email had been sent in error. A corrected message followed, assuring recipients that no changes had been made to their legal status.

“The U4U parole program has not been terminated,” the DHS clarified, adding, “The terms of your parole as originally issued remain unchanged at this time.”

The agency apologized for the confusion and reassured participants that their status remains secure.

Impact on Ukrainian Refugees

Around 240,000 Ukrainians have resettled in the U.S. under the U4U program, launched during President Joe Biden's administration. The erroneous email sparked widespread concern among the community, with many fearing they might be forced to leave, especially as other groups like Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans have faced similar notices.

So far, Ukrainian nationals have not been included in the recent changes to immigration protections affecting those other nationalities.