The move comes after a growing number of members of Congress, from both parties, and immigration advocates called on the Biden administration to take the action. Thursday marks a week since Russia began waging war on Ukraine, and world leaders are warning of Russian soldiers targeting Ukrainian civilians.
TPS status is designated when a country is facing “ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions,” DHS said Thursday. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prevented Ukrainians from returning safely to their country, the department said.
“This invasion has caused a humanitarian crisis with significant numbers of individuals fleeing and damage to civilian infrastructure that has left many without electricity or water or access to food, basic supplies, shelter, and emergency medical services,” DHS said.