Several Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. got shocking letters from the government. The notices said their legal status had ended. They were told they had only seven days to leave the country. If they did not go, they would be forced out.
The letters were sent on April 3. They used strong words like: “Leave the United States now – the federal government will locate you.” The notices also told people to sign up for something called “voluntary departure.”
Many of the people who got the letters came through the Uniting for Ukraine program. This is a legal way for Ukrainians to live in the U.S. They were scared and confused. Some feared police would come to take them away.
Government Admits Mistake
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later said the letters were sent by mistake. It confirmed that Uniting for Ukraine has not changed. Refugees in the program still have legal status.
A second email was sent out to fix the mistake. The email said there would be no deportation. It told people their legal rights were safe.
Still, the wrong letters caused real fear. Many families thought they would be forced to leave. Some called lawyers. Others packed bags or stopped going to work.
Uniting for Ukraine Still Active
The U.S. launched Uniting for Ukraine in 2022. It was part of an effort to help people fleeing war. Since then, over 240,000 Ukrainians have come to the U.S. through this path. Most live in peace and work to support their families.
Refugees who join the program can stay for two years. They also get work permits. The goal is to give them a safe place while the war in Ukraine continues.
Some Ukrainians entered the U.S. through Mexico. They were allowed in on humanitarian grounds. This means the government gave them permission to stay for safety reasons.
Fear of Broader Deportation Policy
The error came at a time when the U.S. is cracking down on some migrants. In recent months, the government has taken steps to remove people from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, and Nicaragua.
Even though Ukrainians were not part of that group, many feared they might be next. The letters made them worry about new rules or changes to their status.
“I thought I was being sent back to a war zone,” said one refugee. “It was the scariest moment since I arrived.”
Lawyers and Groups Speak Out
Immigration lawyers said the mistake is very serious. “This kind of letter changes lives,” said lawyer Maria Lopez. “Even one mistake like this can break trust.”
Advocacy groups have asked DHS to fix the systems that caused the error. They want better training, clear steps for checking records, and more help for refugees.
Groups like the American Immigration Council say DHS must explain what went wrong. They also want better tools so people can check their status on their own.
Another Case: Wrongful Deportation of Salvadoran Man
In a different case, a U.S. judge said the government wrongly deported a man from El Salvador. The man, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, was living legally in Maryland.
The government used a law from 1798 called the Alien Enemies Act to deport him. But a judge said that law was used in the wrong way.
Judge Paula Xinis said Garcia’s rights were ignored. He was not given a chance to defend himself in court. She ruled the deportation was unlawful and must be reversed.
Even so, the Justice Department said it would be hard to bring him back. The government now plans to appeal the ruling.
People Are Still Scared
Refugees and immigrants are now asking: what happens next? Many say they feel less safe. Some fear other errors may happen again.
Groups that work with immigrants are holding meetings. They are giving legal advice and calming fears.
“If you got one of those letters, don’t panic,” said a leader from a Ukrainian support group. “Your status is safe. But check with a lawyer if you are unsure.”
Trust Must Be Rebuilt
The letters sent to Ukrainian refugees were a big mistake. The government says it is sorry. But for many, the fear will not fade soon.
Immigration experts say the U.S. must do better. It must protect people who came here legally to escape war. It must also make sure mistakes like this never happen again.