CNN reported that some Ukrainians who are legally living in the US under the humanitarian temporary residence program applied since former President Joe Biden were shocked to receive a notice from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), sent via email with the content: "It's time for you to leave the US" last week.
In addition to the notice of expired temporary residence rights, the document also comes with a warning: "Don't try to stay in the US - the federal government will find you." However, the DHS immediately sent a correction letter to the recipients of the notice, affirming that this was a fault to send by mistake.
The correction document emphasizes that the actions stated in the previous notice will not be implemented, and at the same time affirms that the conditions of the previously granted temporary residence rights remain the same.
In a statement to CNN, the DHS admitted that the notice sent to some Ukrainians was a mistake. The spokesperson of this agency affirmed that the program still has no plan to end at the present time.
The DHS's mistake comes as the Trump administration is tightening immigration policy, with tough measures against illegal immigrants.
The incident has not only worried many Ukrainians and their benefactors, but also raised questions about the future of Ukrainians who will legally travel to the US from 2022 as the war continues.
Angela Boelens - President and founder of IA NICE (Supporting Ukrainian Families) - said: "Everyone who receives that notice is shocked." She recounted the story of two women - one pregnant, the other with a small child - who fell into a state of panic as soon as they received an email, called her and criedly asked: "What did I do wrong?".
Responding to CNN on April 5, Ms. Boelens said that the Ukrainian refugees in the US have somewhat calmed down after receiving the correction, but many are still psychologically affected. The confused letter from DHS also made her question: "Who wrote this letter? Why do you use such harsh language?".
In 2022, President Joe Biden announced the Uniting for Ukraine program for Ukrainians who want to go to the US amid the escalating conflict with Russia. Under the program, Ukrainians need to have sponsors in the US - whether they are US citizens, permanent residents or nonprofit organizations.
Through the program, immigrants can enter the US and be considered for granted temporary humanitarian residence status according to each specific case. If approved, they also have the right to apply for a work permit.
However, since President Donald Trump took office, the DHS has repeatedly criticized the humanitarian temporary residence program, saying the Biden administration has "abused" it by expanding it to many other countries.
The Trump administration has since ended the legal residence status of more than 500,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela under the Biden-era temporary residence programs, pledging to review each dossier on the basis of each specific case.
