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Immigration advocates, members of Congress celebrate TPS designation for Ukraine, ask the Biden Administration to do more

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On March 3, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security announced a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Ukrainians already living in the United States. TPS has been used to give protections for immigrants fleeing natural disasters, political instability, and humanitarian crises. 

Secretary Mayorkas stated in the announcement, “Russia’s premeditated and unprovoked attack on Ukraine has resulted in an ongoing war, senseless violence, and Ukrainians forced to seek refuge in other countries…In these extraordinary times, we will continue to offer our support and protection to Ukrainian nationals in the United States.”

Here is how the internet reacted: 

Many have welcomed the news that TPS is granted for Ukrainian nations already in the U.S.: 

Others pointed out how the Biden Administration acting fast to grant TPS to Ukraine, while countries such as Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Mauritania, and more non-white foreign nationals have not been granted TPS despite countless efforts by advocates: 

Members of Congress also urged the Biden Administration to designate TPS for other countries as he did for Ukraine:

Senator Bob Menendez applauded the Biden Administration for this action and also urged the administration to designate TPS for Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan:

While TPS for Ukraine is certainly a cause for celebration, AOC leaves us with an important message: “How the world treats Ukraine, and Ukrainian refugees, should be how we are treating all refugees in the United States”: