The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that Ukraine is now designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. The announcement comes from DHS Secretary Mayorkas.
A nation may be designated for TPS when conditions within the country meet three statutory bases for designation: an ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent Ukrainians and those living in Ukraine from returning to the country. With Ukraine, the ongoing armed conflict statutory base was met to provide the country with TPS, as well as the extraordinary and temporary conditions base. These conditions are the result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, marking the largest conventional military action in Europe since WWII. As a result of the invasion, there is a humanitarian crisis unfolding within Ukraine that has led to a large exodus of civilians, damage to national infrastructure, and has left millions with no access to food, water, electricity, etc.
Individuals that are eligible for TPS under this designation must have continuously resided in the U.S. since March 1st, 2022. Anyone who attempts to travel to the U.S. after the March 1st deadline will not be eligible for TPS. Ukraine’s 18-month designation will go into effect on the date that the forthcoming Federal Register Notice is published. This Federal Register Notice will provide instructions for applying for TPS and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Any applicant for TPS must meet all eligibility requirements and pass a background check.
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