**Trump Signals Ukrainians Who Fled War May Stay in US Until It Ends**
In a surprising move, former US President Donald Trump has indicated that he will likely allow Ukrainians who fled Russia’s full-scale invasion to remain in the United States until the war ends. This statement comes as a relief to many Ukrainian nationals who feared their legal status could be stripped amid shifting U.S. policy.
Trump made these remarks on July 29, when asked by a journalist whether he would allow Ukrainians who fled the war to stay in the country. He replied, “I think we will, yeah, I will.” This stance is a significant departure from previous reports that suggested the Trump administration was exploring ways to repatriate refugees using $250 million in foreign aid.
**Background: Ukraine’s Refugees in the US**
Since the start of the full-scale war in 2022, around 240,000 Ukrainians have entered the U.S. under the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program, a humanitarian parole initiative introduced by former President Joe Biden. This program provided not only legal residence and work authorization but also access to healthcare, food assistance, and other social services. However, the application process was suspended in January 2025 and has not been reopened.
**Alarm Among Ukrainian Nationals**
Trump’s remarks have raised alarm among Ukrainian nationals who feared their legal status could be stripped amid shifting U.S. policy. Earlier this year, the Washington Post reported that the Trump administration was exploring ways to repatriate refugees using foreign aid, including about 200,000 Ukrainians. The report also alleged plans to transfer undocumented migrants, including Ukrainians, to Guantanamo Bay.
**Trump’s Favorable Stance Toward Ukraine**
The statement comes as Trump adopts an increasingly favorable stance toward Ukraine after months of rocky relations. He has greenlit arms sales and threatened sanctions against Russia. While this is a significant shift in policy, it remains to be seen how long these protections will remain in place.
**What’s Next?**
As of now, the Biden-era protections remain in place for many Ukrainian nationals. Trump’s latest comments signal a likely continuation of those protections, at least temporarily. However, it’s essential to monitor the situation closely and see if this stance remains consistent with Trump’s campaign promises to crack down on illegal immigration.
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