Extension of TPS for Ukrainian and Sudanese Immigrants

Ukrainian and Sudanese immigrants in the United States with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) will maintain their protections for an additional six months. The Trump administration did not resolve the TPS designations for both countries on Monday. This decision precedes the midterm elections and addresses bipartisan concerns. Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine expressed worries about the future of Ukrainians who escaped Russia’s 2022 invasion and currently reside in the U.S. legally.

In the last 21 months, the Trump administration aimed to conclude TPS for several countries. This affected hundreds of thousands of people, leading to the loss of work permits and deportation protections. This occurred despite ongoing conflicts and instability in countries such as Venezuela, Haiti, and Afghanistan. Ukraine and Sudan’s TPS designations were scheduled to expire on Monday. With no official announcement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for an extension or termination, a default six-month extension applies.

A DHS spokesperson told Newsweek that decisions for both countries would be made “at the appropriate time.” Until then, TPS holders from Ukraine and Sudan can remain in the U.S. under TPS protection.

While protections continue temporarily, advocates warn that the absence of a clear decision beyond the upcoming months leaves thousands of people uncertain. Dara Lind of the American Immigration Council stated, “By not following the law, the administration throws immigrants and employers into a state of uncertainty. It’s long overdue for Congress to allow TPS holders to apply for permanent status.”

Immigration Policy and the Midterms

This development arises as immigration becomes a key issue before the midterm elections next month. A May survey by Pew Research Center found 52 percent of Americans believed the Trump administration did excessive deportation of immigrants living illegally in the country. Meanwhile, 31 percent felt it was adequate. In June, Gallup reported 73 percent of Americans considered immigration beneficial, a decrease from 79 percent the previous year.

A recent ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos survey indicated Democrats gaining a slight lead over Republicans in voter trust on immigration—37 percent to 35 percent. Concerns about the administration’s enforcement of immigration rules have emerged, revealing internal GOP divisions. Representative Maria Salazar from Florida criticized some of the president’s policies as excessive.

Conditions in Ukraine and Sudan

When halting TPS for other countries, DHS cited improved conditions in nations originally given TPS due to war, environmental disasters, or political instability. Despite volatile situations in countries like Haiti and Venezuela, DHS ended protections, resulting in court challenges.

Ukraine, still at war with Russia, displaced millions and brought approximately 101,000 Ukrainians to the U.S. under TPS. Senators Murkowski and Collins emphasized the apparent human rights abuses and the destruction of TPS holders’ home communities. They noted, “Sending Ukrainians back now would risk returning them to life-threatening conditions.”

Sudan remains in a humanitarian crisis and civil war since April 2023. The conflict displaced millions and caused severe infrastructure damage, marking it as one of the world’s direst crises according to the United Nations. Around 1,700 Sudanese are estimated to be in the U.S. with TPS.

Krish O’Mara Vignarajah of Global Refuge remarked, “Families who rely on TPS to stay safe deserve a formal decision, not a mere press statement.”

Next Steps

Ukraine and Sudan are set to retain their TPS designations for another six months. DHS must reach a decision at least 60 days before the default expiration in April.