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DHS Clarifies Erroneous Deportation Emails Sent to Ukrainian Refugees

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the Uniting for Ukraine program remains active after mistakenly informing refugees their legal status was revoked.

This illustrative image from December 10, 2022 shows Ukrainians and supporters attend a protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine in Times Square.
An exterior view of a US Department of Homeland Security building in Washington, DC, in January 2023.
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Overview

  • On April 3, 2025, DHS mistakenly sent emails to Ukrainian refugees stating their legal status was revoked and they must leave the U.S. within seven days.
  • The emails used threatening language, warning recipients of law enforcement actions if they failed to comply, causing widespread panic among refugees and their sponsors.
  • DHS issued a follow-up email on April 4, clarifying the message was sent in error and confirming that no action would be taken against those who received it.
  • The Trump administration has paused new admissions and renewals under the Uniting for Ukraine program, creating uncertainty about the program's future.
  • Advocates and lawmakers have criticized the erroneous email and raised concerns about the administration's broader immigration policies targeting humanitarian parole programs.