DHS Email Mix-Up Causes Alarm Among Ukrainians in the U.S.

WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews)-On Friday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement clarifying a significant error that occurred the previous day. An email was mistakenly sent to numerous Ukrainians legally residing in the United States, erroneously informing them that their legal status had been revoked. The email warned recipients that they must leave the country immediately or face potential law enforcement actions, including removal from the U.S.

These Ukrainians are part of a humanitarian parole program established under President Biden, which allows approximately 240,000 Ukrainians to temporarily live in the U.S. after fleeing the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The alarming message included a stern warning: “If you do not depart the United States immediately, you will be subject to potential law enforcement actions that will result in your removal from the United States.”

However, following the uproar caused by the initial email, DHS quickly sent a follow-up message on Friday, clarifying that the previous communication was an error. The agency reassured recipients that “the terms of your parole as originally issued remain unchanged at this time,” alleviating fears of immediate deportation.