US grants temporary protected status to Ukrainians
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has granted Ukrainians with temporary protected status (TPS) amid the conflict with Russia, officials said.
"Russia’s premeditated and unprovoked attack on Ukraine has resulted in an ongoing war, senseless violence, and Ukrainians forced to seek refuge in other countries,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement. "In these extraordinary times, we will continue to offer our support and protection to Ukrainian nationals in the United States."
Individuals must have continuously resided in the U.S. as of March 1 to be eligible; Ukrainians who arrive after that date will not be eligible. The designation, which will last at least 18 months, allows migrants not otherwise in the U.S. on a legal basis to continue to live and work in the country and not be subject to deportation during that time.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement paused deportations to Ukraine as of Thursday, an agency spokesperson confirmed to ABC News.
A country may be designated for TPS due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters or "extraordinary and temporary conditions." The U.S. Department of Homeland Security noted the conditions Ukrainians might face if they are repatriated home.
"This invasion has caused a humanitarian crisis with significant numbers of individuals fleeing and damage to civilian infrastructure that has left many without electricity or water or access to food, basic supplies, shelter and emergency medical services," the department said.
The announcement follows pressure from both sides of the aisle to extend TPS to Ukrainians in the U.S. as the war continues.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer applauded the Biden administration for "taking decisive action so that Ukrainians can stay safely in America,"
"The United States stands with the people of Ukraine," he said in a statement.
-ABC News' Aaron Katersky, Conor Finnegan and Luke Barr