(MENAFN) Around 200,000 Ukrainians residing in the United States may face the loss of their legal status due to Washington’s intensified border security measures, a media outlet reported on Saturday, referencing confidential US government information.

The previous US administration initiated a humanitarian program for Ukrainian refugees soon after the conflict in Ukraine escalated in February 2022.

This initiative allowed approximately 260,000 individuals to enter the country under an initial two-year term.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump halted the processing of new applications and renewals as part of a broader suspension of multiple nationality-based humanitarian programs, citing safety concerns.

In March, Trump indicated he was contemplating the complete revocation of Ukrainians’ legal status, but ultimately the program continued. By May, the processing of renewal requests had resumed.

Nevertheless, immigration authorities have processed only about 1,900 renewal applications for Ukrainians and other nationalities since then, accounting for only a small portion of those whose status is nearing expiration, the media outlet noted.

Former immigration officials warned that individuals awaiting decisions on extensions could be detained by federal immigration authorities once their status lapses.

Meanwhile, across Europe, public and political backing for hosting Ukrainians has been waning.

Last month, the European Commission officially informed Kiev that the temporary protection framework would not be prolonged beyond its current term.

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