WASHINGTON— The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months.

"Russia's premeditated and unprovoked attack on Ukraine has resulted in continued warfare, senseless violence, and Ukrainians forced to seek refuge in other countries," Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said. "In these extraordinary times, we will continue to offer our support and protect Ukrainian citizens in the United States."

A country may be designated for TPS when conditions in the country fall under one or more of the three legal bases for designation: ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions. This designation is based on both the ongoing armed conflict and the extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ukraine that prevent Ukrainian citizens, and those without nationality whose last habitual residence was in Ukraine, from returning to the country safely. These conditions are the result of the large-scale Russian military invasion of Ukraine, marking the largest conventional military action in Europe since World War II. This invasion has caused a humanitarian crisis with the flight of a significant number of people and damage to civilian infrastructure, which has left almost a million people without electricity and water, or access to food, basic supplies, shelter and medical services. emergency.

Persons eligible for TPS under this designation must have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022. Persons attempting to travel to the United States after March 1, 2022 will not be eligible for TPS. Ukraine's 18-month designation will become effective on the publication date of the next Federal Register notice. The Federal Register notice will provide instructions for applying for TPS and the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). TPS applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and undergo security and background checks.