On October 19, 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security announced that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for citizens of Ukraine and Sudan, which was set to expire on that day, has been preserved. The immigration protection for these categories of foreign nationals remains in effect, RBC-Ukraine reports citing Reuters. Thus, the agency confirmed the extension of the status mere hours before its formal expiration.
What the Department of Homeland Security Stated
A department spokesperson explained that official announcements regarding Ukrainians and Sudanese holding temporary protection status will be made "in due course." According to the official, the existing immigration protection for these groups of citizens is not being canceled and remains under previous conditions. The wording indicates that final details of the extension and its processing will be communicated to interested parties later, but the protection itself is currently not interrupted.
Context: A Course Toward Deportation of Certain Foreigners
The decision comes against the backdrop of President Donald Trump's administration pursuing a policy reportedly aimed at expelling certain foreign nationals from the US. Previously, Temporary Protected Status had already been revoked for citizens of Haiti, Venezuela, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, and other countries. The preservation of TPS for Ukrainians and Sudanese stands out as an exception to the general trend of cancellations, making the agency's announcement particularly notable for affected communities in the US.
What is TPS and Who Does It Affect
Temporary Protected Status is granted to individuals already present in the US, allowing them to legally remain and work in the country if their home countries experience natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary circumstances. According to available data, approximately 240,000 Ukrainian citizens have received TPS in the US, for whom maintaining this status means the ability to continue legal residence and employment.
Background: Diesel Deal and Kyiv's Reaction
As a reminder, US President Donald Trump earlier concluded a deal with Vladimir Putin to purchase diesel fuel. This decision drew sharp criticism from Kyiv: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that concessions toward Russia will not bring peace to Ukraine. The Ukrainian head of state also warned that after the suspension of sanctions against Russian diesel, other decisions in Russia's favor could follow.
