The Donald Trump administration in the US on Sunday said that it mistakenly sent deportation warnings to Ukrainian refugees legally residing in the country. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the notices were issued recently in error and have since been corrected, adding that no action will be taken against those affected.
The emails, sent earlier this week, were addressed to some Ukrainians resettled under the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) programme. The scheme was launched under President Joe Biden to provide temporary legal status to Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion. About 240,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the US through this programme.
A message dated April 3, sent to Ukranians, read, “DHS is now exercising its discretion to terminate your parole. It warned that the recipient’s legal status would end in seven days and added, “Do not attempt to remain in the United States – the federal government will find you”. The message urged them to leave immediately or face law enforcement action and encouraged them to register for self-deportation, The Guardian reported.
After the notices caused widespread confusion and concern, the US authorities clarified that the emails were a mistake.
“The U4U parole programme has not been terminated,” DHS said in a statement. The department followed up with a new message stating: “No action will be taken with respect to your parole”.
The mistaken warning did not affect all Ukrainians under the U4U programme. More than 20,000 others entered the US through Mexico early in the war and also received temporary work permits and deportation protection. These protections remain in place.
Ukrainians have not been included in recent immigration changes affecting citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, who were given until 24 April to leave the US voluntarily or face removal.
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