Ukrainian Adjustment Act of 2025

This proposal, called the Ukrainian Adjustment Act of 2025, would let certain Ukrainians already in the United States apply for a green card. To qualify, a person must have been paroled into the U.S. after February 20, 2014, pass security checks similar to the refugee process, be otherwise eligible, and not pose a safety or security risk. Spouses, children, and some caregivers of unaccompanied children can also qualify. There would be no application or card fees, and while an application is pending, people could stay in the U.S., work legally, and would not be counted as unlawfully present. DHS would treat the green card as effective from the date the person was first admitted or paroled. These green cards would not count against annual visa caps. The bill also includes protections for spouses and children who experienced abuse.

Key points

• Who is affected: Ukrainian citizens or habitual residents who were paroled into the U.S. after February 20, 2014; also their spouses, children, and certain parents or guardians of unaccompanied children, if their parole has not been terminated.
• What changes:
  • Eligible people can apply for permanent residence through a streamlined process. Some immigration rules that normally block green cards would not apply, and DHS could forgive many others to keep families together, except for serious crimes and security risks; crimes committed in the U.S. since February 20, 2014 would not be forgiven.
  • Vetting would include an interview and match refugee-level checks.
  • No filing or card fees; applicants can stay and work while their case is decided.
  • The green card date would count back to when they were first admitted or paroled.
  • Not counted against yearly visa limits; includes protections for abused spouses and children.
• When:
  • DHS must issue interim guidance within 180 days and finalize it within 1 year.
  • Most people will have 1 year from final guidance (or from when they become eligible) to apply; if they do not, they generally cannot extend parole or use this program later, with limited exceptions.