This week, Ukrainians who arrived in the U.S. on humanitarian parole received important news: After pausing the processing of Ukrainian applications for a long time, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) decided to resume considering cases that had been suspended since February 2024.
This was reported by Iryna Mazur, a licensed immigration lawyer.
The temporary suspension of case processing lasted more than 90 days and ended only after a federal judge ruled on May 28, 2024, that the immigration service must resume processing. On June 9, USCIS officially confirmed this with a new memorandum.
"The immigration service issued a new memorandum on June 9 regarding the resumption of cases suspended on February 14. At that time, USCIS put all applications from individuals who entered the United States on humanitarian parole on hold," said Mazur.
This refers to the consideration of applications for re-parole, TPS renewal, work permits, and green cards through marriage and other means. However, resumption does not guarantee automatic approval.
Mazur warns that the first refusals to extend parole have already occurred and that each case is considered individually.
"Denials are often general in nature. Therefore, it is very important to provide valid reasons why you cannot return to Ukraine," she emphasized.
At the same time, Mazur urges people to check their personal accounts on the USCIS website for requests for additional documents (Request for Additional Evidence).
Mazur confirmed that the first TPS renewal approvals, valid until October 19, 2026, have begun to arrive. However, new TPS applications from Ukrainians who arrived after August 16, 2023, are not being accepted.
She also advises Green Card lottery winners to follow the State Department's visa bulletin. Documents can only be submitted once the corresponding visa number is available, which begins on October 1, 2025.
Separately, Mazur noted that there is currently talk of legalizing entry for agricultural workers, but this is only a rumor at this point. There is also unconfirmed information about the possible introduction of exit permits for green card holders.
However, new applications for the U4U program are not currently being accepted.
Author: Inna Mikhno