US immigration error sparks fear, confusion among Ukrainian parolees

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has apologized after an erroneous email was sent to multiple Ukrainians legally residing in the United States under a humanitarian program, demanding they leave the country within seven days or face deportation.

The email, which caused widespread panic among its recipients, incorrectly stated that their parole status had been revoked and threatened law enforcement action if they did not depart immediately, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The message, sent on April 3, read: "If you do not depart the United States immediately you will be subject to potential law enforcement actions that will result in your removal from the United States. Again, DHS is terminating your parole. Do not attempt to remain in the United States."

A spokesperson for DHS confirmed on April 4 that the email had been sent in error and that the Ukrainian parole program, introduced after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, had not been terminated. However, the exact number of individuals who received the mistaken communication remains unclear.

One of the affected individuals, a Ukrainian parolee who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, shared the emotional distress caused by the message. "I couldn’t breathe normally and was uncontrollably crying," she said. Having renewed her immigration status in August, she had been assured that it was valid for another two years. "I couldn’t understand why this happened. I don’t even have as much as a parking ticket. I don’t post anything on social media. What did I do wrong?" she asked.

The confusion surrounding the email sent ripples through the Ukrainian community in the US, with many individuals fearing deportation and questioning their legal status. Angela Boelens, the president of IA NICE, a non-profit in Iowa that sponsors many Ukrainian families, revealed that she was aware of at least two women, one of whom is pregnant, who had received the letter. "It’s a very scary email. All of my families are in complete panic," Boelens said.

"I’d been telling people they would have time after a revocation notice. But this letter is very different," she added.

By Vafa Guliyeva