Baumgartner leads bipartisan letter asking President Trump to continue protections for Ukrainian Refugees

WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) issued the following statement after leading a bipartisan letter asking President Trump to continue protections for Ukrainians currently residing in the United States under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), humanitarian parole, and other legal authorities. 

"Continuing protections for Ukrainians currently residing in the United States is not only a matter of humanitarian responsibility but also a reflection of our commitment to supporting those who have fled violence and destruction. Revoking these protections while the war remains unresolved would be devastating, both for individuals who have sought refuge and for the broader moral obligations we have as a nation,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “I’m encouraged to see bipartisan cooperation, advocating to ensure these individuals can remain safe and secure in the United States.” 

Background: 

• Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine War, about 240K Ukrainians have arrived in the United States.
• 30,000 of Ukrainians arrived in Washington state and 2,895 in Spokane County

You can read the full letter here.