The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said on October 19 that Ukrainians who already hold Temporary Protected Status (TPS) can retain the protections provided by the program for the time being. The announcement came on the day the previously designated period of protection was due to expire.
TPS allows nationals of countries affected by war or other extraordinary circumstances to live and work temporarily in the United States, provided they meet the program's requirements. According to Reuters, about 240,000 Ukrainians had registered for TPS. That figure refers to applicants and does not necessarily represent the number of people with valid status as of October 19.
The temporary continuation of protection does not mean the administration has announced a new long-term extension for a specified period. An individual's immigration status, the validity of their documents and their employment authorization still depend on the applicable regulations and personal circumstances.
The decision comes amid disputes over the immigration policy of President Donald Trump's administration, which is seeking to tighten the rules governing foreign nationals' stay in the country. Human rights groups have urged Washington to provide Ukrainians with greater legal certainty, given continuing Russian attacks and the inability of many refugees to return safely.