Biden Administration Announces TPS Extension: What Ukrainian Refugees Need to Know
Ukrainians make up a large group of refugees who arrived in the United States after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The war, which has claimed thousands of lives and forced millions from their homes, has created a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions. For many, the United States has become a place where they can find temporary shelter, the opportunity to work and provide security for their families. The Ukrainian community in the United States has been playing an important role in the cultural and economic life of the country for decades, and the new wave of forced refugees has only strengthened this influence. From New York to Los Angeles, from Chicago to Denver, Ukrainians are actively integrated into local communities, working in key industries such as construction, medicine, education and technology.
Continuation of TPS
On January 10, the administration of President Joe Biden announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of refugees from Ukraine, Sudan and Venezuela. The TPS program, which gives immigrants the right to be in the country legally, work and be protected from deportation, will now run for another 18 months after the current protection period ends in the spring. It is reported The New York Times.
TPS is a federal program started in 1990 by the George W. Bush administration. Its purpose was to provide temporary protection to citizens of countries affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters or political instability. The status allows you to legally stay in the US, work and not fear deportation.
For Ukraine, TPS was introduced in 2022 due to a full-scale Russian invasion. Then hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians got the opportunity to temporarily arrange their lives in the USA. In early 2025, the Biden administration extended the program for Ukrainians until October 2026.
The decision of the Biden administration
The extension of TPS for Ukrainians is part of a broader package of humanitarian aid. TPS also covers citizens of Venezuela, Sudan, Haiti and other countries affected by crises. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken recommended continuing the program, noting the importance of interagency cooperation to protect refugees.
However, this decision also has a political context. Donald Trump, who is preparing for his second term, has previously sought to reduce or eliminate TPS for some countries. His vice president, J.D. Vance, has publicly called TPS an “illegal program” and has vowed to end the mass granting of status.
How TPS affects Ukrainian refugees
TPS not only provides protection and the right to work, but also opens the door to the integration of Ukrainians into US communities. For example, in Denver, thousands of Ukrainians who took advantage of TPS are already working in construction, health care and other critical sectors of the economy.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston supported Biden’s decision, saying that Ukrainians have become an important part of the local community. Thanks to TPS, they can work legally, which not only helps themselves, but also benefits the local economy.
The extension of TPS is a significant relief for Ukrainians, but their future remains in question due to possible changes in US political leadership. If the Trump administration does try to cut the program, it could put thousands of people at risk.
Despite these challenges, the Biden administration’s decision is a symbol of solidarity and support for those fleeing war. Ukrainians who received TPS have the opportunity to adapt, work and integrate into the new society.
Despite the significant benefits, the TPS program has its critics. Some argue that a status that is supposed to be temporary often continues for decades before becoming permanent. The program is also subject to political pressure, creating uncertainty for its beneficiaries.
At the same time, supporters of TPS emphasize its importance as a humanitarian tool. The program provides protection for people who cannot return home due to extraordinary circumstances.
TPS for Ukrainians is a rescue mechanism in times of crisis. The continuation of this program demonstrates the commitment of the United States to support people affected by war. At the same time, TPS emphasizes the need to update the migration policy, which would meet modern global challenges.
For Ukrainians in the USA, TPS is not only a legal status, but also an opportunity to start a new life, find stability and contribute to new communities. This decision reflects the humanitarian mission that is the basis of international support in difficult times.
