The Situation for Ukrainian Refugees in the United States
Ukrainian refugees in the United States are facing significant bureaucratic hurdles following shifts in immigration policy after the presidential election. The elimination of automatic status renewals and rising document fees have made daily life increasingly difficult. Tetiana Kotenko, a former employee of 'Glavkom' who spent four years in the U.S., shared her personal story and the challenges Ukrainians now encounter in the country.
Kotenko and her husband originally fled to the U.S. after the full-scale war erupted in Ukraine. However, after four years, the family felt compelled to relocate to Europe. She explains that the process for obtaining documents changed drastically after the U.S. presidential election.
“After Trump’s victory, Elon Musk implemented the promised drastic cuts to government agencies. USCIS was heavily downsized. The remaining staff simply cannot process all applications on time,” says Tetiana Kotenko.
According to her, the family received a two-year Parole in 2024 but chose not to renew it. Instead, they applied for an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in January 2025 and have yet to receive a response. “Those who have applied for TPS before previously had the right to live and work without an updated status for 540 days—that’s 18 months. The status was also renewed automatically. Now, automatic extensions are gone,” she notes.
Rising Document Costs and Immigration Policy
The skyrocketing cost of documentation is another major issue. “When we first arrived, a work permit cost $425 per person. Then it rose to $475, and now it’s $525. The biggest price hikes have been for Parole,” she emphasizes. Facing financial strain and the inability to update their documents in time, the family decided to leave the U.S. and move to Europe.
In addition, President Donald Trump has previously made statements about immigration, claiming it is 'killing Europe.' These remarks reflect the broader immigration policy context that is causing anxiety among refugees and migrants. Kotenko highlights the urgency of the situation for Ukrainians as they struggle to find a safe place to live amid shifting U.S. policies.
Changes in U.S. immigration policy—including the end of automatic status renewals and higher document fees—are creating new obstacles for Ukrainian refugees. These factors may drive more people to seek alternative homes in other countries, especially in Europe. Amid political instability and bureaucratic barriers, it is crucial that Ukrainians receive adequate support at every stage of their adaptation to a new life.
The recent changes in U.S. immigration policies echo the previous administration's decisions, which had far-reaching implications for many foreign nationals. For instance, the termination of in-country green card processing has significantly impacted those seeking stability in the U.S. As Ukrainian refugees navigate their own challenges, understanding these broader policy shifts is crucial for grasping the full scope of their situation.