Archbishop Borys Gudziak says temporary protections for 100,000 Ukrainians in US will expire

Archbishop Borys Gudziak said more than 100,000 Ukrainians living and working in the United States face potential deportation following the expiration of their temporary protections on Oct. 19.

The Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia told Catholic News Service during a visit to Rome that individuals relying on temporary measures, such as the Uniting for Ukraine humanitarian parole program, may be forced to leave the country. He noted that many of these people have no homes to return to in Ukraine. Gudziak warned that if these individuals do not find other legal ways to stay, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement could subject them to deportation.

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the temporary protected status designation for Ukraine and its related benefits expired on Oct. 19. A bipartisan bill introduced in the House of Representatives on Oct. 5 proposes extending these protections for eligible Ukrainians until July 1, 2029. Some lawmakers are also considering a provision that would automatically trigger a six-month extension if the administration does not reach a decision.