A surprising mix-up at the U.S. immigration agency has left several Ukrainian refugees in a state of shock. Recently, many recipients under the humanitarian parole program received an alarming email saying their status had been revoked and that they had only seven days to depart, with the ominous note that the "federal government will find you." 😱
The Department of Homeland Security quickly clarified that the email was sent in error. A spokesperson confirmed on Friday that the Ukrainian parole program remains unchanged and that the erroneous message was a mistake. In a follow-up note, recipients were reassured that the original terms of their parole are still in effect.
This mishap comes amid recent reports suggesting possible changes in temporary legal status for around 240,000 Ukrainians fleeing the conflict, although that plan appears separate from this error. For one parolyee—preferring to stay anonymous—the email triggered an intense emotional reaction, leaving her in tears and in distress over an unexpected message she felt she didn’t deserve.
The incident highlights how even a simple administrative error can cause significant panic among individuals already navigating the challenges of adapting to life in a new country. As authorities work to ensure such mistakes don't happen again, this event serves as a reminder that amidst tough global issues, clarity and prompt communication are essential to easing anxious situations.
Reference(s):
U.S. immigration agency mistakenly tells Ukrainian refugees to leave
cgtn.com
