FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2026<\/p>\n
Baltimore, MD \u2014 As the fourth anniversary of Russia\u2019s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches on February 24, Global Refuge today released a new policy report<\/a> warning that\u00a0thousands of Ukrainians living legally in the United States could soon lose work authorization and lawful status\u00a0without urgent administrative and congressional action.<\/p>\n More than 230,000 Ukrainians were granted\u00a0humanitarian parole for entry and admission into\u00a0the United States\u00a0through the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program. Between\u00a0U4U and Temporary Protected Status,\u00a0the vast majority of\u00a0arriving Ukrainians have\u00a0resided\u00a0here in the United States on a non-permanent status. Because these protections are temporary and renewal requests have increasingly gone unadjudicated in recent months, the report finds that growing numbers of Ukrainians now face\u00a0expiration\u00a0of both legal status and employment authorization.<\/p>\n \u201cThe war in Ukraine rages on\u00a0with no end in sight, yet the protections Ukrainians rely on in the United States are quietly\u00a0but dangerously\u00a0eroding,\u201d\u00a0said\u00a0Krish O\u2019Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge. \u201cUkrainian\u00a0families\u00a0are increasingly falling into immigration limbo.\u00a0For months,\u00a0they\u2019ve\u00a0seen their applications gather dust unanswered, their work permits approach\u00a0expiration, and their access to services cut back.\u00a0We\u2019ve even seen Ukrainians swept up by immigration enforcement.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt does not have to be this way.\u00a0The administration and Congress can and should work together to\u00a0maintain\u00a0status and support for Ukrainians,\u201d she continued. \u201cUkrainians displaced by the war deserve more than shrinking windows of safety and stability. They deserve opportunities to thrive, succeed, and contribute.\u201d<\/p>\n The report,\u00a0Shaken Stability: Threats to Status and Work Authorization for Ukrainians in the United States<\/a>, outlines several policy actions needed to prevent widespread loss of lawful\u00a0status, including:<\/p>\n Swiftly processing requests for re-parole, Temporary Protected Status, and employment authorization to keep Ukrainians in status and work-authorized \u201cThe instability many Ukrainians face today is entirely preventable with prompt administrative action and\u00a0Congressional\u00a0leadership,\u201d concluded Vignarajah. \u201cUkrainian newcomers have followed the rules, found jobs, and begun contributing to communities across the country.\u00a0Maintaining\u00a0their legal status is not only a humanitarian obligation, but also a practical investment in stability for families, employers, and local economies alike.\u201d<\/p>\n Global Refuge is steadfast in its commitment to serving Ukrainians and highlighting the need for protections and pathways for this population. From supporting Congressional oversight<\/a>, endorsing bipartisan legislation<\/a>, championing access to services<\/a>, and providing legal counsel<\/a> for Ukrainians, Global Refuge remains ready to work with policy makers on both sides of the aisle, community members, and civil society coalitions to advance protections for Ukrainians affected by the war.<\/p>\n
\nCreating and expanding immigration relief for Ukrainians through temporary designations, such as a Temporary Protected Status redesignation, a Temporary Protected Status extension, and\/or Deferred Enforced Departure for Ukraine
\nAdvancing legislative solutions to provide temporary and permanent status options for Ukrainians, such as the Protecting Our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act (S.696\/H.R.\u00a02118) or the Ukrainian Adjustment Act (H.R.\u00a03104)
\nResuming asylum decisions for Ukrainians
\nResuming and increasing refugee admissions for Ukrainians and Lautenberg family reunification cases<\/p>\n