HIAS Statement on Designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status
Mar 3, 2022
SILVER SPRING, Md. — Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. Since the onset of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, HIAS has advocated for this designation, and we applaud DHS’ quick action.
“HIAS commends DHS’ decision to grant TPS for Ukrainians in the U.S. who cannot return home right now due to the spiraling violence and humanitarian disaster in Ukraine,” said Naomi Steinberg, HIAS Vice President for U.S. Policy and Advocacy. “It’s heartening that in the midst of violence and displacement, Europe, the U.S., Canada, and other countries are taking steps to keep people safe.”
Steinberg continued: “While this is an essential development for Ukrainians, we cannot forget that the administration has not yet done the same for other groups, including Cameroonians and Mauritanians, Hondurans, Nicaraguans, Guatemalans, and Salvadorans. They can no more go home than Ukrainians can. It is beyond time for the administration to grant these communities TPS as well.”
A country may be designated for TPS when the conditions in their home country make it impossible for them to be able to safely return. These conditions can include natural disaster, ongoing armed conflict, or other extraordinary conditions that prevent safe return.