More than 100,000 Ukrainians living in the United States could soon face uncertainty about their ability to remain and work legally in the country. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine is currently scheduled to expire on October 19, 2026, just one week away.
As Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, lawmakers from both political parties are pushing to prevent Ukrainians who fled the conflict from losing their immigration protections.
NEW BIPARTISAN BILL WOULD EXTEND UKRAINIAN TPS UNTIL 2029
On October 5, 2026, members of Congress introduced H.R. 10740, legislation that would extend TPS protections for eligible Ukrainians through July 1, 2029.
Congressman Jason Crow publicly announced his support for the legislation on October 7, joining Representatives Bill Keating and Brian Fitzpatrick. A companion bill has also been introduced in the Senate by Senators Richard Blumenthal, Lisa Murkowski, Chris Coons, and Bill Cassidy.
If enacted, the legislation would:
- Extend TPS eligibility for qualifying Ukrainians until July 1, 2029.
- Allow eligible Ukrainians to continue living and working legally in the United States.
- Require immigration authorities to process TPS and related work permit applications within 90 days.
- Provide retroactive protection against unlawful presence for qualifying individuals if the law is enacted after October 20, 2026.
- Permit certain emergency travel abroad with advance government authorization.
IMPORTANT: This bill has NOT become law. Ukrainians should not assume their TPS has already been extended through 2029.
WHAT IS THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PLANNING?
According to an October 8 report by POLITICO, the Trump administration faces mounting pressure to decide the future of TPS for Ukrainians.
One possibility discussed by lawmakers is allowing an automatic six-month extension to take effect if the administration does not make the required decision by the statutory deadline.
However, this approach could create confusion about employment authorization and other immigration benefits. An automatic extension should not be assumed until its applicability and documentation requirements are confirmed.
Meanwhile, some lawmakers are urging the administration to end temporary immigration protection programs, while others argue that forcing Ukrainians to return to an active war zone would be dangerous and inhumane.
WHAT HAPPENS IF UKRAINIAN TPS EXPIRES?
If TPS terminates without an effective extension or other legal protection, affected Ukrainians could face serious consequences:
- Loss of work authorization: TPS-based employment authorization could end unless extended or independently authorized.
- Risk of deportation: Individuals without another lawful basis to remain may become subject to removal proceedings.
- Problems for families: Ukrainians who have established lives, employment, and family connections in the United States could face separation and uncertainty.
- Loss of immigration protection: TPS beneficiaries may need to rely on another immigration status or protection from removal.
TPS expiration does not automatically mean every Ukrainian will be deported. The consequences depend on each person’s immigration history and other available protections.
WHAT SHOULD UKRAINIANS DO RIGHT NOW?
At Shepelsky Law Group, we strongly encourage Ukrainian nationals not to wait until October 19 to evaluate their options.
Depending on individual circumstances, Ukrainians may be eligible for other immigration relief, including asylum, family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, or humanitarian protections.
Individuals who entered through the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program should also remember that humanitarian parole and TPS are separate immigration protections, with different expiration dates and requirements.
Those who already have TPS should review their approval notices, work permits, and any extension notices from USCIS.
SHEPELSKY LAW GROUP CAN HELP
With October 19 quickly approaching, Ukrainian families need reliable legal guidance rather than uncertainty.
Our immigration attorneys at Shepelsky Law Group can review your TPS, humanitarian parole, asylum application, or other immigration options and help determine the best strategy to protect your ability to remain in the United States.
Do not wait until your immigration protection expires to seek legal advice.
📞 Call Shepelsky Law Group: 718-769-6352
We are here to help Ukrainian families understand their rights and explore available legal options during this uncertain time.