Sponsors (16)
The bill quickly extends predictable, lawful temporary protection and work rights to Ukrainians paroled under Uniting for Ukraine and clarifies status for agencies and courts, but it ties that protection to a time-limited parole that can end abruptly, excludes those not within the specified parole cohort, and does not create a pathway to permanent residency.
Ukrainians paroled under Uniting for Ukraine are explicitly recognized as "eligible aliens," making them able to access immigration benefits and other processes tied to that status.
Eligible Ukrainians paroled into the U.S. can work legally for the duration of their parole, allowing them to earn income and support themselves and their families.
The bill references existing INA definitions (including INA §101(a)(17)), providing a single authoritative source that reduces legal ambiguity and simplifies interpretation for agencies and courts.
People who are not covered by the April 21, 2022 Uniting for Ukraine parole may be excluded from the Act's protections or benefits, leaving some similarly situated Ukrainians without access.
Status automatically ends when the U.S. determines return is safe, which could force rapid repatriation or sudden loss of work authorization for people who still cannot safely return.
The temporary parole status does not itself provide a pathway to permanent residency, leaving recipients with uncertain long-term immigration options.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Creates a temporary Ukrainian guest status for Uniting for Ukraine parolees, treats parole as admission, authorizes work, and ends 120 days after the Secretary of State declares safe return.
Introduced February 24, 2025 by Richard Joseph Durbin · Last progress February 24, 2025
Creates a temporary immigration classification for people who entered the United States under the Uniting for Ukraine parole process and treats their parole date as the date they are admitted for this status. It authorizes those individuals to work for the duration of the status, allows DHS to revoke the status for certain security-related grounds, and ends the status automatically 120 days after the Secretary of State determines hostilities in Ukraine have ceased and conditions allow safe civilian return. Defines key terms by reference to existing immigration law and limits changes to a temporary status and work authorization; it does not change other parts of the Immigration and Nationality Act or provide new funding.