Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced on March 3 that the Department of Homeland Security has designated Ukraine for temporary protected status for 18 months. We’ve gathered articles on the news from SHRM Online and other outlets.
Effect of Announcement
The designation gives Ukrainians who were in the U.S. without legal documentation as of March 1 permission to stay and work for 18 months. Temporary protected status often is extended.
“Ukrainian nationals currently in the United States should not be forced to return to Ukraine while the nation is at war with Russia,” tweeted Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio. “Granting them temporary protected status is the right thing to do.”
Thousands Eligible
Approximately 75,100 people are estimated to be eligible to file applications for temporary protected status under the designation of Ukraine, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson—double previous estimates.
(CNN)
Temporary Protection in EU
In the EU, Ukrainian nationals will be eligible for temporary protection within the 27-nation bloc, depending partly on conditions in Ukraine. Those seeking refuge will be able to bypass the normal asylum application process—which can leave people in legal limbo for years, as migrants from the Middle East and Africa have learned. The EU plan grants Ukrainian nationals and permanent residents the right to work for up to one year. If the conflict continues or refugees can’t return safely, that status could be extended a further two years.
(The Washington Post), (The Guardian) and (Justice and Home Affairs Council)
Canada Offers Similar Relief
Canada has introduced new immigration streams for Ukrainians who want to come to Canada. For Ukrainians who want to come to Canada temporarily, a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel will be available. There will be no limit to the number of Ukrainians who can apply. This is the fastest, safest and most efficient way for Ukrainians to come to Canada and eliminates many of the normal visa requirements.
Purpose of Temporary Protected Status
Congress created the temporary protected status in 1990 to offer foreign nationals temporary permission to live and work in the U.S., instead of being returned to countries that are deemed unsafe after natural disasters, armed conflict or other emergency situations.