Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has enabled many Ukrainians to live and work in the United States without fear for their safety, even as war rages in their homeland.
However, TPS is temporary. Many are interested in what will happen if the U.S. government opts not to extend it. Given the uncertainty regarding future policy, it’s essential to consider the immigration options that may still be available.
What Happens If TPS Ends?
If TPS is terminated and no other status is in effect, many Ukrainians could lose their work authorization and become subject to removal. That’s why it’s crucial not to hang around. If you qualify for some other form of immigration relief, you might be able to stay legally in the United States even after TPS ends.
We assisted a client from Kyiv who had arrived in the U.S. when the full-scale invasion broke out. After TPS, she later married a U.S. citizen. We filed a marriage-based green card petition. Within two weeks before her TPS was expiring, she received her lawful permanent resident status. Being proactive made all the difference in her case.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, you can schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Olena Manilich. Find out whether you may qualify for a green card based on marriage or another lawful status.
Asylum and Humanitarian Protection
Ukrainians afraid to go back to Ukraine for reasons of war, persecution, or other threats may be eligible for asylum. To qualify, you must demonstrate that you are in danger because of your race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or membership in a social group. The asylum process is also lengthy and complex, but one of the options for Ukrainians in the U.S. right now.
Costs for asylum cases vary by complexity, but the vast majority of full-service representation starts at around $3,500 and goes up, particularly once court hearings become part of the picture. No government filing fee is required when applying for asylum with USCIS on an affirmative basis. However, there may be other fees associated with the case, such as for translations or medical reports.
If you believe you fit the criteria for asylum, it’s crucial to act quickly. Review our immigration services to see how we can assist with a complete assessment of your circumstances.
Family and Employment-Based Green Cards
Many Ukrainians in America already have relatives who are citizens or green-card holders. If you can obtain a family-based category qualification, you might be able to apply for a green card. You have employment-based options if you have an employer willing to sponsor you.
One instance where we’ve helped was with a client who was a Ukrainian client who studied at a U.S. engineering school. He graduated and then got a job offer from a U.S. company. We helped him apply for an H-1B visa. After his company sponsored him for permanent residency, we managed the PERM labor certification and green card applications. Now he’s living and working in the U.S. with his family.
Attorney fees for a family-based green card generally are $3,000-$6,000. Employment-based green cards can be more expensive to obtain due to their extra steps, like labor certification and several forms. Government filing fees frequently surpass $2,000, not including translation or document preparation.
If you’re considering one of these options, get in touch so we can direct you and your family or employer through the process.
Prepare Now to Stay Protected
No one has certainty when or whether TPS for Ukrainians will terminate. But the only way to prepare for the future is to protect the present. Whether you qualify for a green card through family, employment, or some other means. Thinking ahead can help you avoid stress and mistakes at the last minute.
We at the Law Office of Olena Manilich are aware of the special difficulties the Ukrainians experience in this immigration environment. We will assist you as you move toward a brighter future.
Schedule your consultation today, and we will work with you to protect your life in the United States — no matter what happens next.
