New Humanitarian Assistance for Ukrainians
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently announced two types of humanitarian assistance for Ukrainian nationals.
Ukrainians Present in the U.S.
On April 19, 2022 the Secretary of Homeland Security designated Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months or until October 19, 2023. As of April 19, 2022 eligible Ukrainians (or those with no nationality who last habitually resided in Ukraine) who are already present in the U.S. may apply to register for TPS and receive an employment authorization document (EAD).
Ukrainians with TPS will be protected from removal, can work pursuant to their EAD, as well as be eligible to apply for authorization to travel abroad. Should the designation period of TPS for Ukraine be extended, Ukrainians with TPS will be able to re-register to extend their TPS and EAD.
To be eligible for TPS, a Ukrainian must be able to demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S. since April 11, 2022 and show continuous physical presence in the U.S. since April 19, 2022. Ukrainians who register for TPS, can obtain a new TPS-based EAD, regardless of whether they have an EAD or work authorization based on another immigration status. In addition, students from Ukraine in F-1 status may also, in some instances, benefit from specific TPS work authorization and minimum course load requirements
Ukrainians Outside the U.S.
For Ukrainians who are currently abroad, President Biden has announced that on April 25, 2022 the DHS will launch Uniting for Ukraine (U4U), which is a streamlined process for displaced Ukrainian citizens to apply for humanitarian parole in the United States.
To be eligible, Ukrainians must have been residents in Ukraine as of February 11, 2022, have a sponsor in the United States, complete vaccinations and other public health requirements, and pass rigorous biometric and biographic screening and vetting security checks. Approved Ukrainians will be authorized to travel to the United States and be considered for parole, on a case-by-case basis, for a period of up to two years. Once paroled through this process, Ukrainians will be eligible for work authorization.
Any U.S. citizen or individual, including representatives of non-government organizations, will be able to sponsor Ukrainian applicants. These sponsors will be required to declare their financial support and pass security background checks.
Please note that as of April 25, 2022 Ukrainians should not travel to Mexico to pursue entry into the United States. Following the launch of Uniting for Ukraine, Ukrainians who present at land U.S. ports of entry without a valid visa or without pre-authorization to travel to the United States through Uniting for Ukraine will be denied entry and referred to apply through this program.