In a startling turn of events, numerous Ukrainian refugees residing legally in the United States under a humanitarian parole program received emails this week from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stating that their parole status had been revoked. The messages instructed recipients to depart the U.S. within seven days or face enforcement actions. However, DHS later clarified that these emails were sent in error and that the parole status of the individuals remains unchanged.
Erroneous communication causes alarm
The initial email, sent on Thursday, warned: “If you do not depart the United States immediately, you will be subject to potential law enforcement actions that will result in your removal from the United States.”
This unexpected directive left many Ukrainian parolees in distress and confusion. One recipient, who chose to remain anonymous, described feeling overwhelmed upon receiving the email, stating she “couldn’t breathe normally and was uncontrollably crying.” She had renewed her immigration status in August 2024 and was assured it was valid for another two years.
DHS acknowledges mistake and issues retraction
On Friday, DHS issued a follow-up email to the affected individuals, acknowledging the error: “The terms of your parole as originally issued remain unchanged at this time.” A DHS spokesperson confirmed that the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) parole program has not been terminated and that the initial message was sent mistakenly.
Broader context of immigration policy shifts
This incident occurred amid broader changes in U.S. immigration policies. The Trump administration has been reviewing and, in some cases, revoking temporary legal statuses granted under previous administrations. Notably, the administration has moved to end legal protections for various groups, including Ukrainians who fled the Russian invasion. An internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) email indicated that deportations could commence as early as April.
Community response and ongoing concerns
The erroneous email has heightened anxieties within the Ukrainian refugee community. Angela Boelens, president of IA NICE, an Iowa-based nonprofit that has sponsored numerous Ukrainians, reported that at least two women, including one who is pregnant, received the misleading message. “It’s a very scary email. All of my families are in complete panic,” Boelens said.
While DHS has retracted the erroneous directive, the incident underscores the precarious situation many refugees face amid shifting immigration policies. Advocacy groups continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for clear and consistent communication from immigration authorities to prevent further distress among vulnerable populations.