UPDATED: Trump to kick out 240,000 Ukrainians in massive deportation plan

President Donald Trump is moving ahead with a plan to strip legal protection from about 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the conflict with Russia. 

The move, expected in April, is part of a broader massive deportation plan of migrants.

Officials briefed on the plan say the deportations will revoke temporary parole status granted for humanitarian reasons, according to multiple sources who spoke to Reuters and CBS News.

The White House and Ukrainian embassy have not commented on the alleged plan. 

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said there were no announcements at this time.

The policy follows a January 20 executive order calling for the termination of all categorical parole programs. 

By targeting Ukrainians, Trump is expanding his campaign that aims to remove over 1.8 million migrants who arrived under special measures.

In addition to the Ukrainians, the administration plans to revoke parole for about 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. 

That measure could take effect as soon as this month, according to an internal DHS source who spoke to Reuters. 

Migrants who lose their parole status may be placed in expedited removal proceedings, a process outlined in an internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement email seen by Reuters.

Under US law, those who arrive illegally at the border can face fast-track deportations for two years after entry. 

However, there is no time limit on expedited removal for migrants who came through a legal port of entry but were never formally admitted, as is the case with parole. 

The Biden administration’s parole programs were intended to deter irregular migration and offer humanitarian relief.

The rollback was reportedly began before Trump’s public feud with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 

Critics call the decision a betrayal of Ukraine during its ongoing struggle with Russian forces. 

Some say the policy could undermine international relations.

Over the past year, more than one million migrants scheduled appointments to enter the United States via an app known as CBP One.

This figure includes tens of thousands of Ukrainians, Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, and Afghans who were fleeing violence. 

Many had hoped to secure temporary relief.

Trump campaigned on a pledge to end Biden-era parole programs, claiming they exceeded the bounds of US law. 

His administration paused processing applications under these programs last month, triggering widespread uncertainty among affected people.

Immigration advocates warn that terminating protection for displaced Ukrainians could leave many vulnerable to persecution if forced to return. 

They point out that Ukraine remains in conflict, making safe passage or reintegration a scary prospect for those who fled and lost their homes.

Late Thursday afternoon, Trump denied he was planning to deport Ukrainians.