Sponsors (16)
The bill gives certain Ukrainian parolees lawful presence and the ability to work under a clear, temporary status, but it narrows eligibility, creates risks of abrupt expirations and revocations, and may cause legal and administrative complications that could disrupt lives and local systems.
Immigrants paroled under the Uniting for Ukraine program are clearly identified using INA definitions, reducing confusion about who qualifies for benefits or protections under the Act and promoting consistent legal interpretation across agencies.
Eligible Ukrainian parolees are treated as admitted as of their first parole date, giving those individuals and their families lawful presence and greater stability while in the U.S.
Eligible Ukrainian parolees receive employment authorization for the duration of their status, enabling them to work legally, support themselves and their families, and contribute to local economies.
Ukrainians who do not have the specific Uniting for Ukraine parole designation (or who fall outside INA definitions) may be excluded from benefits and protections, leaving some refugees or parolees without covered status.
Automatic expiration tied to a Secretary of State determination (with a 120-day window) could force rapid returns or loss of status if conditions remain unstable, disrupting lives, schooling, and access to services.
DHS authority to revoke status for individuals meeting INA §241(b)(3)(B) standards could lead to removal of parolees with certain security/admission bars, reducing protections for some individuals who had been allowed to remain.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Introduced February 24, 2025 by Richard Joseph Durbin · Last progress February 24, 2025
Creates a temporary "Ukrainian guest status" for noncitizens paroled into the United States under the Uniting for Ukraine parole process, treating them as admitted as of their first parole date and authorizing them to work for the duration of that status. The status automatically ends 120 days after the Secretary of State determines hostilities in Ukraine have ceased and civilian return is safe; the Secretary of Homeland Security may revoke status for individuals who meet existing legal bars to admission due to danger to the community.