Immigrants From Ukraine May Qualify for Temporary Protected Status

 Posted on March 11, 2022 in Immigration

Following an invasion by Russian forces that began on February 24, 2022, Ukraine has been in a state of war, and millions of people throughout the country have been affected. Since then, more than one million refugees have fled the country, and more are likely to seek protections and escape a dangerous situation. While some Ukrainian immigrants have sought asylum in the United States, there are thousands more who were already in the country who may be concerned about their safety if they face deportation. Fortunately, these immigrants may be able to receive protection from removal by qualifying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Biden Administration Grants TPS to Ukrainian Immigrants

Temporary Protected Status is a designation that may be put in place by the Department of Homeland Security, preventing immigrants from certain countries from being returned to locations where they may be at risk of harm. This status may be granted based on armed conflicts in a country, natural disasters, or other conditions that affect people’s safety. People from a country with TPS designation may receive protection from deportation for a certain amount of time.

The administration of President Joe Biden has announced that Ukraine has been designated for Temporary Protected Status. Ukrainian citizens or those who most recently resided in Ukraine will be eligible for TPS if they have lived in the United States continuously since March 1, 2022, and these protections will be in effect for at least 18 months. This designation may apply to 34,000 Ukrainian immigrants who are currently living in the U.S. who do not have a legal immigration status.

A person who is eligible for TPS cannot be deported or detained by immigration officials while these protections are in effect. After being granted TPS, a person may apply for authorization to work in the United States, and they may also receive authorization to travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. They may also pursue other immigration benefits, such as applying for adjustment of status.

To receive TPS protections, an immigrant must file an Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821). They will also be required to provide evidence of their nationality (such as a passport or other identifying documents from their home country), their date of entry to the United States, and continuous residence in the U.S. since March 1, 2022. A person may be ineligible for TPS if they have been convicted of a felony or more than one misdemeanor or because they are inadmissible to the United States for other reasons. However, waivers of inadmissibility may be available in some cases.

Contact Our Illinois Deportation Defense Attorneys

If you are an immigrant who came to the U.S. after previously living in Ukraine, Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can help you understand how you can remain in the country and avoid being deported. We will work with you to file the proper applications and submit any evidence or documents that are required. To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how we can help you, contact our Naperville Temporary Protected Status lawyers at 630-932-9100.