Thirty-one senators have taken action over the future of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which benefits approximately 101,000 Ukrainians living in the United States. The senators called for the protection to be extended and redesignated as the Russia-Ukraine war continues.
A bipartisan letter led by Senator Tammy Duckworth was sent to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The letter called for an 18-month extension and redesignation of TPS for Ukraine. The current status is expected to expire on October 19.

Warning over return to Ukraine
The senators warned that ending TPS could force thousands of Ukrainians in the United States to return to Ukraine, where active fighting, civilian casualties and widespread damage to critical infrastructure continue.

Ukraine was first designated for TPS on April 19, 2022. The status was later extended and redesignated through April 19, 2025, and was extended again effective April 20, 2025.
Contribution to the U.S. economy
The letter said Ukrainian TPS holders contribute approximately $2.6 billion to the U.S. economy each year and pay approximately $716 million in taxes.

The senators said protecting approximately 101,000 Ukrainians is not only a humanitarian necessity but also the right economic decision. The senators argued that Ukrainian citizens cannot safely return to their country while the war continues and said TPS should remain in place.