In a bold move aimed at intensifying border security, US officials have paused several immigration programs, including those granting temporary settlement to Ukrainians, according to a report by the New York Times on January 24. This decision, part of President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration overhaul, marks a significant shift in US policies on humanitarian relief and migration.

On January 23, a directive from a senior official at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) halted “final decisions” on applications for multiple immigration programs while they undergo review. Among the initiatives affected is Uniting for Ukraine, a Biden-era program that facilitated the entry of over 150,000 Ukrainians into the US under financial sponsorship. The program allowed participants to stay for up to two years, obtain work permits, and avoid deportation.

Other humanitarian parole programs targeting migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela have also been suspended. Collectively, these programs have admitted over 500,000 individuals since late 2022. In addition, family reunification initiatives and programs for Central American minors with US-based family members are also impacted by the directive. A spokesperson for USCIS confirmed the directive’s existence but declined to elaborate on its specifics.

The suspension of these programs follows an executive order signed by Trump on January 20, which directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to terminate “all categorical parole programs that are contrary to the policies of the US.” The order mandates a review of remaining cases to ensure compliance with US laws. Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman........

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