— A deeply concerning mix-up causes panic among Ukrainians under U.S. protection program
In a startling turn of events, the Trump administration has issued an official apology after mistakenly informing some Ukrainian refugees that their legal protections in the United States were being revoked. These messages caused confusion and fear among many Ukrainians who fled to the U.S. seeking safety from Russia’s invasion.
What Happened?
Earlier this week, a number of Ukrainians who had legally entered the U.S. under the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program received alarming emails from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These messages claimed their temporary legal status—called “parole”—was being terminated.
The notice, dated April 3, bluntly warned that unless they left the country within 7 days, they could face law enforcement actions that might lead to their forced removal from the U.S. In a particularly harsh tone, the email even urged recipients to sign up for self-deportation, warning:
“Do not attempt to remain in the United States – the federal government will find you.”
Read Also: Chaos: U.S. Accidentally Orders Ukrainian Refugees to Leave the Country!
Why This Was So Shocking
This came as a shock to the Ukrainian community, many of whom had arrived in the U.S. under humanitarian protections after Russia launched a full-scale invasion in 2022. Over 240,000 Ukrainians have resettled in America through the U4U program, which was introduced by President Joe Biden to provide a safe haven for those escaping war.
In addition to those under U4U, around 20,000 Ukrainians entered the U.S. through Mexico at the beginning of the conflict and received temporary protection and work permits under humanitarian grounds.
So when these notices were sent, the fear was immediate: Could Ukrainians now face the same fate as migrants from other nations—such as Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans—who had recently been ordered to self-deport?
DHS Corrects the Error
Thankfully, the DHS quickly acknowledged that the notices were sent in error and do not reflect current U.S. policy. The department followed up with corrected messages assuring recipients:
“No action will be taken with respect to your parole.”
They also clarified that the Uniting for Ukraine program remains active, and Ukrainian refugees are not part of any new immigration changes targeting other nationalities.
A Pattern of Mistakes?
This incident has added to growing concerns about immigration policy enforcement under the Trump administration. In a related case, a federal judge recently ruled that U.S. officials had illegally deported a Salvadoran man living in Maryland using a controversial law called the Alien Enemies Act—a relic from wartime history.
The man, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, was legally residing in the U.S. when he was suddenly arrested and deported to El Salvador in March 2025. A judge called this action without legal basis and ordered the government to return him by the end of Monday. However, officials claimed they may not be able to bring him back and are now appealing the decision.
Fear, Confusion, and the Human Cost
Even though the DHS has walked back the deportation warnings, the emotional toll on affected Ukrainian families is real. Many fled war zones, lost homes, and endured trauma—only to be told they might now be forced to leave the place they considered a safe refuge.
This situation highlights the importance of clear, careful communication from immigration authorities and the need for stable, humane immigration policies—especially for those fleeing conflict zones.
In Summary:
- Ukrainian refugees under the Uniting for Ukraine program were mistakenly told to leave the U.S.
- The Department of Homeland Security has apologized and confirmed it was an error.
- The program is not being terminated.
- A related case involving a wrongly deported Salvadoran man is also raising questions about immigration policy.
Read Also: “Greenland Is Not for Sale!” Denmark to Trump: You Cannot Annex It, “Not Now, Not Ever!”
This incident serves as a reminder that for refugees, even a clerical error can feel like a life-altering event. While the correction is welcome, the need for compassion, accuracy, and humanity in immigration policy remains more urgent than ever.
