A huge mistake happened when the White House sent an email to many Ukrainians living legally in the US. The email, sent by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during the Trump Admin, told up to 240,000 people they had to leave the country in seven days. It also warned that law enforcement would take action if they didn’t leave. This message was sent in error. Many Ukrainians were left shocked and confused.
The email said their legal status was canceled. It gave no warning before telling them to leave. Many people had renewed their stay under the Biden administration’s special program for Ukrainians. They were told their status was good for two years. This sudden message caused panic.
People Were Scared and Confused
When Ukrainians received the email, many were scared. One woman said she cried nonstop after reading the email. She had renewed her stay just months ago and was confused about why it had been canceled. She didn’t have any legal issues, and she couldn’t figure out what went wrong. Angela Boelens, a leader of a group that helps Ukrainians, said her people were in full panic mode. She even said that one woman, who was pregnant, was terrified.
This mistake was especially scary for people who didn’t expect to face any issues. They thought they were following the rules and were given no explanation for the sudden change.
DHS Clears Up the Error
The DHS quickly sent a follow-up email. It explained that the original message was a mistake. The DHS reassured people that their legal status was still the same. They clarified that the Ukrainian program had not been canceled. However, this mistake caused a lot of stress. The wrong email had a big impact on many families who were already in a tough situation.
Trump Administration’s Plans to End the Program
Before this error, the Trump Admin had been considering ending the program for Ukrainians. They were planning to remove legal protections for many people who fled Ukraine due to the war. This would have been a big shift from the welcoming stance of the Biden administration. Under Biden, Ukrainians were given a chance to stay legally while they fled the war in their home country. The mistake with the email made things worse for many people who were already afraid of losing their status.
Ukrainians Don’t Want to Return to Ukraine
Many Ukrainians don’t want to go back to their home country. Danyil, a 20-year-old who didn’t want his last name used, is one of them. He was scared to return because of the ongoing war. He said, “I don’t want to stay here illegally, but I don’t want to go back to Ukraine. I am afraid.” For young people like Danyil, the US offers more chances for a safe and stable life. Going back to Ukraine means going back to danger and uncertainty.
This fear is common among many Ukrainians who came to the US. They fled war and violence, and now they fear being forced to go back into the conflict.
Criticism Over the Mistake
The error in the email was widely criticized by many in the US. Senator Edward Markey, from Massachusetts, called the email cruel. He said telling Ukrainians they had to return to a war zone was wrong and inhumane. He said the government should be held accountable for the mistake. Many people felt the email was harsh and showed a lack of care for people in need of safety. This situation highlighted how complicated immigration policies can be for those who are just trying to survive.
More Immigrants Affected by Changing Rules
This mistake was part of a larger issue. The Trump Admin planned to end legal protections for people from other countries as well. This included 530,000 people from places like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These immigrants came to the US under a special program for people fleeing war or danger. Under the new rules, they were told they would lose their legal status soon.
The changes mean that many people who had been in the US legally will now face deportation. The deadline for some of them is just around the corner, adding more stress to families already dealing with fear and uncertainty.
The Bigger Picture of Immigration Policy
The Trump Admin has been working to reduce the number of immigrants in the US. During his campaign, President Trump promised to end illegal immigration. Since becoming president, he has tried to take away legal pathways for many immigrants. His administration has made it harder for people to come to the US or stay legally.
For many immigrants, the US is seen as a place of safety and opportunity. However, these changes are making it more difficult for people to stay. The DHS has warned that those without legal status must leave before the deadline or face consequences.
