Washington, D.C. — The potential termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine would have devastating humanitarian consequences for displaced Ukrainians while undermining U.S. national security interests. Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the Forum, issued the following statement:
“The world has witnessed the sacrifices made by civilians fleeing war, leaving behind their homes and communities in search of safety. Now, as their temporary protections near expiration, over 100,000 Ukrainians face an uncertain future. Although TPS was designed as a temporary humanitarian measure, with the war in Ukraine still ongoing and conditions remaining unsafe, the administration should extend TPS for Ukrainians. Forcing people to return to Ukraine in these circumstances is dangerous and a departure from longstanding U.S. policy.
“In addition to these humanitarian concerns, the termination of TPS will have negative economic consequences. Over the past two years, the termination of TPS protections for other countries has had tangible consequences not only for TPS holders but for key industries, who have been forced to terminate hundreds of thousands of qualified legal workers after their TPS work authorizations have been ended. Congress and the administration should work to mitigate these effects and provide balanced solutions that support TPS recipients, the American communities that have welcomed them, and industries that depend on them.”