Ukrainian Refugees in North Carolina Face Uncertainty as Trump Weighs Ending Parole

Key Takeaways

• Over 240,000 Ukrainians entered the U.S. via the U4U humanitarian parole program since 2022.
• Trump administration may end Ukrainian parole protections in June 2025, risking legal status loss.
• Parolees face loss of work permits, support services, and deportation without a clear permanent path.

Ukrainian Refugees in North Carolina: Humanitarian Parole, Legal Uncertainty, and What Comes Next

Overview: Ukrainian Refugees, Humanitarian Parole, and the Current Crisis

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States 🇺🇸 has welcomed over 240,000 Ukrainians through the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) humanitarian parole program. Many of these newcomers have settled in North Carolina, joining family, finding work, and building new lives. Humanitarian parole gave them a legal way to enter and stay in the country, work, and access some support services. However, as of June 2025, Ukrainian refugees in North Carolina face a new crisis: the Trump administration is considering ending their parole protections, which could leave thousands without legal status or a clear path forward.

This guide explains what humanitarian parole is, how the U4U program works, who is affected, what could happen if parole ends, and what options and resources are available for Ukrainian refugees in North Carolina. It also looks at the broader policy debate and what the future might hold.

What Is Humanitarian Parole?

Humanitarian parole is a special permission the U.S. government can give to people who need to enter or stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for urgent reasons. It is not a visa or a permanent status. Instead, it allows someone to live and work in the country for a limited time, usually because of war, disaster, or other emergencies.

• Key points about humanitarian parole:
  • It is temporary, usually lasting one or two years.
  • It does not lead directly to a green card or citizenship.
  • Parolees can apply for work permits.
  • Access to government benefits and services depends on the type of parole and federal rules.

The government can end parole at any time, leaving people at risk of losing their legal status.

Uniting for Ukraine (U4U): How the Program Works

The Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program began in April 2022 as a response to the war in Ukraine. It allowed U.S. citizens and residents to sponsor Ukrainians fleeing the conflict. Sponsors agreed to provide financial support and help newcomers settle in the United States 🇺🇸.

• How U4U works:
  • Ukrainians apply online and must have a sponsor in the United States 🇺🇸.
  • If approved, they receive two years of humanitarian parole.
  • Parolees can apply for work authorization using Form I-765.
  • Some support services are available, but access depends on federal and state rules.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, U4U has helped hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians find safety and rebuild their lives, especially in states like North Carolina.

Ukrainian Refugees in North Carolina: Who Is Affected?

North Carolina is one of the top states for Ukrainian resettlement. While exact numbers for 2025 are not published, community groups and state agencies report that thousands of Ukrainians have arrived under U4U and earlier parole programs. Many have found jobs, enrolled children in school, and become part of local communities.

• Key facts:
  • Over 240,000 Ukrainians are in the United States 🇺🇸 under U4U.
  • About 20,000 more entered through Mexico early in the war and received parole.
  • North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) provides refugee support services, but only to those with legal status.

Recent Policy Changes and Legal Uncertainty

Since President Trump returned to office in January 2025, the administration has focused on ending broad humanitarian parole programs. In March 2025, parole for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) was terminated, with a 30-day notice period. Now, the administration is considering the same action for Ukrainians.

• Timeline of recent events:
  • April 2025: Some Ukrainians received emails from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) saying their parole would end in seven days. DHS later said these messages were sent by mistake, but the incident caused widespread fear.
  • May 30, 2025: The Supreme Court allowed the administration to end parole for certain groups, speeding up the risk for those on temporary status.
  • June 2025: U4U parole remains in effect, but DHS has suspended decisions on new asylum and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applications for U4U parolees. This means they cannot move to a more permanent status right now.

President Trump has said he is “looking at” ending Ukrainian parole but has not made a final decision. The White House says reports of immediate revocation are “fake news,” but confirms the issue is under review.

What Happens If Humanitarian Parole Is Ended?

If the Trump administration ends humanitarian parole for Ukrainians, the effects will be immediate and severe for thousands in North Carolina and across the country.

• Loss of Legal Status: Ukrainians would lose their right to stay in the United States 🇺🇸. They would become undocumented and could be removed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• Loss of Work Authorization: Without parole, work permits would be invalid. Many would lose their jobs and income.
• End of Support Services: Access to refugee support services from NC DHHS and other agencies would stop, as eligibility depends on legal status.
• Short Notice to Leave: People could be given as little as seven days to leave the country voluntarily. After that, they could face deportation.
• No Path to Permanent Status: DHS has suspended decisions on asylum and TPS applications for U4U parolees, so they cannot switch to another legal status at this time.
• Emotional and Psychological Impact: The fear of losing everything—home, job, community—has caused deep anxiety among Ukrainian families.

Step-by-Step: What Would Happen If Parole Ends

1. Official Notice: Ukrainians would receive a letter or email from DHS stating their parole is ending and giving a deadline to leave.
2. Voluntary Departure: They would have a short window (usually 7–30 days) to leave the United States 🇺🇸 on their own.
3. Enforcement: After the deadline, ICE could detain and remove those who remain.
4. Legal Options: Some may try to apply for asylum or other relief, but DHS is not processing these applications for U4U parolees right now.
5. Loss of Services: Access to state and federal support would end immediately upon loss of legal status.

Eligibility and Requirements: Who Can Stay, Who Must Leave?

Currently, Ukrainians in North Carolina under U4U or other humanitarian parole are allowed to stay and work legally. However, if parole ends, only those who have another legal status—such as a green card, valid visa, or approved asylum—would be able to remain.

• Who is at risk?
  • Anyone whose only status is U4U humanitarian parole.
  • Those who have applied for asylum or TPS but whose cases are on hold.
• Who is not at risk?
  • Ukrainians who have become permanent residents, received asylum, or have another valid visa.

Comparing Humanitarian Parole, Refugee Status, and Asylum

It’s important to understand the differences between these forms of protection:

• Humanitarian parole is the least secure and does not lead to permanent status.
• Refugee status and asylum both offer a path to a green card and more support, but are much harder to get.

Real-World Example: A Ukrainian Family in North Carolina

Consider the case of the Kovalenko family, who arrived in North Carolina under U4U in 2023. They found a sponsor, enrolled their children in school, and both parents found jobs. They have paid taxes, learned English, and become active in their church. Now, with the threat of parole ending, they fear losing everything. Their asylum application is on hold, and they have no other way to stay legally. Like many, they worry about being forced to return to a country still at war.

Rights and Pathways: What Options Do Ukrainian Refugees Have?

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS): TPS for Ukrainians is extended through October 19, 2026, but new applications from U4U parolees are currently not being processed by DHS.
• Asylum: Many have applied for asylum, but DHS has suspended decisions for U4U parolees.
• Refugee Admissions: The U.S. refugee cap for 2025 is 125,000, with only 2,000–3,500 slots for Europe and Central Asia, including Ukraine. Most U4U parolees are not eligible for these slots.
• Congressional Action: Some lawmakers have introduced a bill to let Ukrainians under U4U stay until it is safe to return, but no vote is scheduled.

Practical Implications for North Carolina

• For Refugees: Loss of status means loss of jobs, homes, and community ties. Many could face deportation to a war zone.
• For Employers: Businesses that rely on Ukrainian workers could lose valuable employees.
• For Schools and Communities: Children could be pulled from schools, and communities would lose active members.
• For Support Services: Agencies like NC DHHS would have to stop providing help to those who lose legal status.

Multiple Perspectives on the Crisis

• Ukrainian Refugees: Most express fear and sadness at the thought of leaving. Many have built new lives and do not want to return to a country at war.
• Sponsors: Local sponsors say Ukrainians are hardworking and have become part of the community. They urge Congress to provide a permanent solution.
• Trump Administration: Officials say they are reviewing parole programs to focus on “urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.”
• Advocacy Groups: Organizations like Refugees International and HIAS warn that ending parole would put thousands at risk and damage the United States 🇺🇸’s reputation as a safe haven.

What Can Ukrainian Refugees in North Carolina Do Now?

• Stay Informed: Follow updates from official sources like USCIS and NC DHHS.
• Seek Legal Help: Contact local legal aid groups or immigration attorneys for advice. They can help explore any possible options.
• Connect with Community Groups: Local Ukrainian and refugee organizations can provide support and information.
• Prepare Documents: Keep all immigration papers, work permits, and notices in a safe place.
• Advocate: Join efforts to urge Congress to pass laws protecting U4U parolees.

Official Resources and Contacts

• NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS): Offers information on refugee support services. Visit NC DHHS Refugee Support Services for details.
• USCIS: For updates on humanitarian parole, asylum, and TPS, see USCIS Humanitarian Parole.
• Legal Aid: Local organizations and attorneys can help with legal questions and possible relief options.
• Advocacy Groups: Groups like Refugees International and HIAS provide updates and support for affected families.

Looking Ahead: The Future for Ukrainian Refugees in North Carolina

The Trump administration is expected to announce a final decision on Ukrainian parole soon. Until then, thousands of Ukrainian refugees in North Carolina and across the United States 🇺🇸 remain in legal limbo, unable to plan for their futures. Advocacy groups continue to push for a permanent solution, but the outcome is uncertain.

Key Takeaways:
– Humanitarian parole for Ukrainians is at risk of ending, which would have serious consequences for thousands in North Carolina.
– Those affected should stay informed, seek legal help, and connect with community resources.
– The situation is changing quickly, and official updates from USCIS and NC DHHS are the best sources for the latest information.
– Advocacy and community support are more important than ever as families wait for clarity on their future.

For the most current information on humanitarian parole and refugee support, visit the USCIS Humanitarian Parole page.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the fate of Ukrainian refugees in North Carolina now depends on decisions in Washington, D.C., and the voices of those who stand with them. The coming weeks will be critical for thousands of families hoping to remain safe and secure in their new home.

Learn Today

Humanitarian Parole → Temporary U.S. permission allowing people to enter and stay for urgent reasons, not a visa.
Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) → A 2022 U.S. program enabling citizens to sponsor Ukrainians fleeing war for parole status.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → U.S. immigration status allowing eligible nationals to stay due to ongoing country conditions.
Asylum → Protection granted inside the U.S. to individuals fearing persecution, allowing legal stay and work.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → U.S. agency tasked with enforcing immigration laws and deporting unauthorized individuals.

This Article in a Nutshell

Ukrainian refugees in North Carolina face uncertainty as the Trump administration reviews ending U4U humanitarian parole, threatening their legal status, work, and community ties amid ongoing war in Ukraine.
— By VisaVerge.com