Baumgartner Encourages the Trump Administration to Maintain Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainians

WASHINGTON – Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement regarding the Trump Administration's plan to revoke the Temporary Protected Status of over 240,000 Ukrainian refugees.

“Since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022, thousands of Ukrainians have fled their country and made Eastern Washington their home,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “They’ve come to join our growing Ukrainian community. While I respect President Trump’s skill as a negotiator, and understand that his public stance may be a strategic move to push President Zelenskyy to sign the mineral rights agreement, we must not forget that Ukrainian refugees are fleeing a devastating war that has killed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, and are the very definition of what it means to be a refugee. Supporting Ukrainian refugees is in the best interest of the United States National Security.”

Background

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, President Trump said he was considering revoking thousands of visas for Ukrainians who came to the U.S. under the Biden-Harris Administration. The President stated that he is "not looking to hurt them."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt cited sources claiming these efforts would take action as soon as next month and said they were wrong and that no decision has been made at this time. 

Baumgartner reaffirmed his support for President Trump’s mineral rights agreement, which strengthens U.S.-Ukraine economic and security ties. Additionally, Baumgartner emphasized his unwavering support for diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring Russia does not succeed in its attempt to take over Ukraine, underscoring the importance of continued international cooperation to safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty. While Baumgartner voiced disappointment over Zelenskyy’s actions in the Oval Office last week, he remains committed to standing up to Russian aggression.