February 24, 2025
Mr. Durbin (for himself, Ms. Rosen, Ms. Duckworth, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Klobuchar, and Mr. Welch) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
To provide temporary Ukrainian guest status for eligible aliens, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Protecting Our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act
.
Sec. 2. Definitions
In this Act:
(1) In general
Any term used in this Act that is used in the immigration laws shall have the meaning given such term in the immigration laws.
(2) Eligible alien
The term eligible alien means an alien who was paroled under the Uniting for Ukraine parole process announced on April 21, 2022.
(3) Immigration laws
The term immigration laws has the meaning given such term in section 101(a)(17) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(17)).
Sec. 3. Temporary Ukrainian guest status
(a) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an eligible alien shall be considered to be admitted to the United States in Ukrainian guest status as of the date on which the eligible alien was first paroled into the United States.
(b) Employment authorization
An alien in Ukrainian guest status under this section is authorized to be employed in the United States incident to and for the duration of such status.
(c) Expiration
Ukrainian guest status under this section shall expire on the date that is 120 days after the date on which the Secretary of State determines that—
(1)
hostilities in Ukraine have ceased; and
(2)
conditions in Ukraine allow for the safe and reasonable return of civilians to Ukraine.
(d) Revocation
The Ukrainian guest status of an alien may be revoked if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that the alien is described in section 241(b)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1231(b)(3)(B)).