NPZ Immigration Law Blog

With conditions in Ukraine deteriorating after the Russian invasion, the Presidents’ Alliance issued a call last Thursday and joined 177 organizations to call for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Special Student Relief (SSR) for Ukrainians living in the United States. TPS provides protection from deportation and permission to work to Ukrainian nationals in the United States, and SSR gives flexibility to Ukrainian international students regarding duration of status, course load, and employment eligibility. Joining the broader call for TPS and SSR, higher ed organizations have also urged the administration to provide flexibility for those in F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) or J-1 Academic Training and provided additional pressure for SSR for F-1 student and J-1 exchange visa holders. University leaders have also voiced support for Ukraine, including Princeton University,Emory University, and Michigan State University. The Presidents’ Alliance is gathering resources to share with campuses on how to support Ukrainian students and scholars. We will continue to add updates as the situation evolves.