Many Ukrainian refugees living in the United States were left shaken after receiving surprise letters from the government. These letters claimed that their legal status was ending within days and they had to leave the country. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sent the notices by mistake, but the damage was already done.
The letters, dated April 3, stated that the refugees had only one week left before facing removal. They even warned that officials would begin tracking those who stayed. Many Ukrainians who received the notice feared they would be forced to leave their homes and lives behind.
“I read the message and felt my heart drop,” said Olena, a refugee who came to the U.S. with her two children in 2022. “We have a life here now. My children go to school. How can we just leave?”
A Quick Response from the Government
Within 48 hours, the government admitted that the letters were an error. A follow-up email was sent to all who had received the notices. The DHS assured them that their status under the Uniting for Ukraine program was still valid. No action would be taken against them, and they could stay legally in the country.
A DHS spokesperson said, “We regret the confusion caused. This message was not meant for Ukrainian nationals. The error has been corrected, and we are taking steps to prevent this from happening again.”
What Is the Uniting for Ukraine Program?
The Uniting for Ukraine program began in 2022, just after Russia invaded Ukraine. It allows U.S. sponsors to help bring Ukrainians to the country for up to two years. Those approved can live and work in the U.S. and apply for humanitarian parole. So far, over 240,000 Ukrainians have arrived through the program.
Many others came through Mexico and received similar temporary protections. Families who fled war and violence were able to find safety and stability in American towns and cities.
A Mistake with a Heavy Toll
While the government corrected the error, the mistake caused serious emotional stress. Many Ukrainians are already living with trauma from the war. Getting a message that threatened deportation added fear and uncertainty to their daily lives.
Some families contacted lawyers right away. Others called local refugee centers and churches for help. Many did not understand what the notice meant or if it was real.
“It felt like the rug was pulled from under us,” said Danylo, a father of three living in Chicago. “We trust this country. We want to follow the rules. But how can we feel safe when things like this happen?”
Growing Fear Among Refugee Communities
The error also sparked concern in other immigrant groups. Some feared they might be next. Though the Biden administration’s new immigration rules mainly focus on other groups, the fear among Ukrainians was real.
Advocates say this mistake shows the need for better communication and stronger legal protections. “People who come here fleeing war should not live in fear of being sent back,” said Maria Garcia, a legal expert who works with refugee families. “These mistakes can ruin lives.”
Another Deportation Case Raises Questions
In a separate case, a man from El Salvador was deported by mistake. His name is Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia. He had been living legally in Maryland. Yet he was removed under the Alien Enemies Act, an old law that lets the government deport people from enemy countries during war.
A judge later ruled that the deportation was illegal. The court ordered the government to bring him back. However, officials admitted they didn’t know how to do that. The Justice Department has said it will appeal the ruling.
Legal experts say this shows a troubling pattern. “We’re seeing errors that go far beyond paperwork,” said immigration attorney Laura Klein. “They impact real people, with real families, jobs, and dreams.”
Calls for Reform and Clearer Systems
Advocates are now calling for change. They want the DHS to improve how it communicates with refugees. They are also asking for safeguards to prevent wrongful deportations in the future.
“We need a system that treats people with dignity,” said Kara Benson of the Refugee Welcome Network. “That starts with not sending them scary and false messages.”
For now, Ukrainian refugees under the Uniting for Ukraine program remain protected. But the recent mistake has shown how fragile that sense of safety can be. Many are still nervous, even after the correction.
Community leaders, legal experts, and human rights groups are urging the government to review its systems. They want better tools to help refugees understand their rights and avoid confusion.
“People fled war zones to be here,” said Benson. “The least we can do is make sure they aren’t living in fear again.”