Mistaken Email Sparks Fear Among Ukrainian Refugees in U.S.

An email mistakenly sent by the Department of Homeland Security on Friday informed Ukrainians legally in the U.S. that their parole status had been withdrawn, instructing them to self-deport. The exact number of people who received the email is unknown.

The email caused widespread fear among Ukrainians who had fled the full-scale Russian invasion that began in February 2022. These refugees have been increasingly worried about their legal standing in the country, especially after comments made by President Donald Trump regarding the potential revocation of their residency status.

A DHS spokesperson clarified that the temporary parole status granted to the approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who came to the U.S. under the previous administration has not been revoked. However, a potential reversal, as indicated by the White House, could lead to the swift deportation of a significant number of Ukrainians.

The erroneous email triggered confusion, with lawmakers receiving calls from concerned constituents. Many Ukrainians are already anticipating the possibility of a reversal, as the current administration is expanding efforts to remove legal status from nearly two million individuals who were permitted to stay in the U.S. under temporary humanitarian parole programs during the prior administration.

President Trump has already ordered the revocation of parole status for around 530,000 Venezuelans, Cubans, and Haitians. He has also indicated that he is considering similar action regarding Ukrainians. He stated that he would make a decision soon.

The DHS spokesperson did not specify whether a final decision had been reached or when the emails were intended to be sent. Upon returning to office, President Trump instructed DHS officials to "terminate all categorical parole programs" and halted admissions under these programs for Ukrainians, preventing renewals of their protections and work permits. He also stopped new admissions.