Refugee Congress Applauds Temporary Protected Status Designation for Ukraine

For Immediate Release: March 4, 2022

WASHINGTON–  Refugee Congress applauds the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine. This is an important first step in ensuring protection for Ukrainians as they are being forced to flee due to war and conflict.  

“As the crisis in Ukraine continues to unfold, the protection of Ukrainians is paramount. We are deeply reminded of why families are forced to flee,” said Louena Gboeah, Chairperson of the Refugee Congress Board of Directors.

While Refugee Congress commends this decision, we also call on the Biden administration to respond in urgency to designate TPS for migrants from Cameroon, Mauritania, Ethiopia and other non-European countries. Majority Black, Brown and Indigenous people who have been waiting to be provided the same pathway to protection deserve to be afforded with the same protection and should not have to return back to the very dangerous conditions they fled from. 

As an organization built and led by former refugees and asylees, we know firsthand the devastating consequences of violence and persecution and the importance of supporting those who are displaced due to these conditions. We know the importance of creating strong systems where everyone, despite their background, is afforded equal protection. 

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Refugee Congress is a nonpartisan advocacy organization built and led by former refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable migrants to promote the well-being, integration and dignity of all vulnerable migrants. With delegates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, we use our voices and experiences to inform and influence decision-makers on critical domestic and international issues that affect our communities.

MEDIA CONTACT: (202) 905-6238, media@refugeecongress.org