https://www.theepochtimes.com/biden-administration-grants-ukrainians-in-us-temporary-protected-status-ice-pauses-deportation-flights_4316189.html

Biden Administration Grants Ukrainians in US Temporary Protected Status, ICE Pauses Deportation Flights

President Joe Biden’s administration will grant Ukrainians already in the United States a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation, allowing them to stay in the country without the risk of deportation for 18 months, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Thursday.

“Russia’s premeditated and unprovoked attack on Ukraine has resulted in an ongoing war, senseless violence, and Ukrainians forced to seek refuge in other countries,” said DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “In these extraordinary times, we will continue to offer our support and protection to Ukrainian nationals in the United States.”

Countries are designated for TPS when they are the victim of ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions. Currently, there are 12 countries with TPS designations, including Haiti, Myanmar, Syria, and Sudan.

Ukraine’s designation will benefit an estimated 30,000 Ukrainians currently in the United States on temporary visas or who do not have legal status, according to calculations by the Migration Policy Institute.

“Ensuring approximately 30,000 Ukrainians in the United States can receive the protection they deserve and have the opportunity to work and live in the United States without fear of returning to a country under siege, is absolutely the right and moral thing to do,” Menendez said in a separate statement.

“Temporary Protected Status was created by Congress for exactly this purpose—to protect people whose home countries have experienced armed conflict, an environmental disaster, or extraordinary conditions that prevent people from safely returning home.”

While the TPS will be granted to Ukrainians who were already continuously residing in the United States since March 1, according to DHS, it will not apply to those who try to travel to the United States after March 1.

More than one million people have fled Ukraine to seek refuge in neighboring countries since Russia invaded last week, according to U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

Additionally, TPS will also offer eligible Ukrainians work permits.

“The Federal Register notice will provide instructions for applying for TPS and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). TPS applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and undergo security and background checks,” DHS said.