SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Jeanne Shaheen have formally requested an explanation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding emails reportedly received by Ukrainians on humanitarian parole in the United States. The emails, thought to be sent in error, suggested the termination of their parole status and instructed them to leave the country within a week. The Senators expressed concern over the situation in a letter addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

"Even if this message was sent in error, threatening the abrupt termination of humanitarian parole for Ukrainians is alarming and adverse to the U.S. national interest," the Senators wrote. They highlighted the timing of the incident, during which a Kremlin official was in the U.S. for negotiations, as potentially sending a mixed signal. "This mixed message sends the wrong signal: that the U.S. may abandon Ukrainians in need even as Ukraine remains under attack by Vladimir Putin," the letter continued.

The Senators stressed the importance of clarifying to Ukrainians in the U.S. that their humanitarian parole has not been terminated. "We urge the agency to provide immediate clarification to Ukrainians in the United States that their humanitarian parole has not been terminated, and that there are no plans to terminate the program while Ukraine is still under active attack by Russia," they stated. They also requested a briefing on future plans concerning humanitarian parole for Ukrainians and an explanation for the error.

The letter addressed the context of Ukrainians on parole, citing their compliance with U.S. entry procedures, contributions to communities, and the ongoing unsafe conditions in Ukraine. "Many are working in our states, paying taxes and contributing to local communities," it noted, while also mentioning the ongoing conflict and humanitarian need.

The Senators emphasized there has been no public announcement of a policy change, and inquiries to DHS resulted in conflicting responses. "DHS has not issued a public announcement about any planned policy change and the agency’s website continues to display information about the availability of parole for Ukrainians," the letter reported.

The Senators concluded by reiterating their call for urgent action and information from DHS. "We appreciate your urgent attention to this matter."