FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2026
Baltimore, MD — As the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches on February 24, Global Refuge today released a new policy report warning that thousands of Ukrainians living legally in the United States could soon lose work authorization and lawful status without urgent administrative and congressional action.
More than 230,000 Ukrainians were granted humanitarian parole for entry and admission into the United States through the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program. Between U4U and Temporary Protected Status, the vast majority of arriving Ukrainians have resided here 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 expiration of both legal status and employment authorization.
“The war in Ukraine rages on with no end in sight, yet the protections Ukrainians rely on in the United States are quietly but dangerously eroding,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge. “Ukrainian families are increasingly falling into immigration limbo. For months, they’ve seen their applications gather dust unanswered, their work permits approach expiration, and their access to services cut back. We’ve even seen Ukrainians swept up by immigration enforcement.”
“It does not have to be this way. The administration and Congress can and should work together to maintain status and support for Ukrainians,” she continued. “Ukrainians displaced by the war deserve more than shrinking windows of safety and stability. They deserve opportunities to thrive, succeed, and contribute.”
The report, Shaken Stability: Threats to Status and Work Authorization for Ukrainians in the United States, outlines several policy actions needed to prevent widespread loss of lawful status, including:
- Swiftly processing requests for re-parole, Temporary Protected Status, and employment authorization to keep Ukrainians in status and work-authorized
- Creating 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
- Advancing 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. 2118) or the Ukrainian Adjustment Act (H.R. 3104)
- Resuming asylum decisions for Ukrainians
- Resuming and increasing refugee admissions for Ukrainians and Lautenberg family reunification cases
“The instability many Ukrainians face today is entirely preventable with prompt administrative action and Congressional leadership,” concluded Vignarajah. “Ukrainian newcomers have followed the rules, found jobs, and begun contributing to communities across the country. Maintaining their legal status is not only a humanitarian obligation, but also a practical investment in stability for families, employers, and local economies alike.”
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, endorsing bipartisan legislation, championing access to services, and providing legal counsel 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.
The report can be downloaded here.
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About Global Refuge:
Global Refuge, formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, is the largest faith-based nonprofit dedicated exclusively to serving refugee children and families. For 85 years, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. Since our founding in 1939, we have served over 800,000 people from around the globe.
