Biden administration expands Temporary Protected Status eligibility for Ukrainians in U.S.

The Biden administration is expanding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) eligibility for Ukrainians living in the U.S., moving up the program’s cut-off date by six weeks, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Monday.In early March, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced a TPS program to shield Ukrainians in the U.S. from deportation, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. At the time, Mayorkas said only Ukrainians living in the U.S. as of March 1 would qualify for TPS, which also provides work permits.On Monday, however, Mayorkas said in a notice that Ukrainians residing in the U.S. as of April 11 would be eligible for TPS if they meet other eligibility rules and pass background checks. The government estimates that 59,600 Ukrainians could apply for TPS after the program is opened to applications on Tuesday.The cut-off date change could make thousands of additional Ukrainians who have managed to reach the U.S. following the Russian invasion, including those who have been allowed to enter the U.S. through the Mexican border on humanitarian grounds, eligible for TPS.A 1990 law allows DHS to offer TPS to immigrants from countries experiencing armed conflict, environmental disasters or other “extraordinary” emergencies that would prevent their safe return.