Ukrainian refugees in the United States: what to expect in the near future?
Many Ukrainian citizens have found refuge in America. Recently, however, most have been wondering what awaits Ukrainian refugees in the United States and what threats they face in light of the Trump administration's changes in migration policy. Find out about the latest data on the number of Ukrainians in the United States, their integration, risks of deportation, and prospects for staying in the country
Donald Trump's ambiguous statements about the status of Ukrainian refugees have hundreds of thousands of people who have found refuge in the United States from the war worried. In light of recent events, the question of their future remains open. A study by the Center for Economic Strategy (CES) helps to understand the situation and what Ukrainians can expect in the coming months.
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How many Ukrainians have been accepted by the United States?
The United States is one of the three countries outside of Europe that has accepted the most Ukrainian refugees. According to CES, 5.4% of all Ukrainian refugees are in the United States. Together with Canada, the American continent has received less than 10% of war refugees, while the bulk of the burden falls on European countries.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, immigration authorities have approved more than 236,000 cases under the Uniting for Ukraine program. As of March 2024, more than 187,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the United States under this program. However, the media is currently reporting a figure of about 240 thousand refugees.
Are Ukrainian refugees at risk of deportation?
The “Unite for Ukraine” program granted the right to temporary stay for up to three years. However, in January 2025, after the inauguration of Donald Trump, the consideration of new applications from Ukrainians under this program was suspended, along with other migrant initiatives.
In March 2025, it was reported that the Trump administration might cancel temporary legal status for Ukrainian refugees, which would lead to the risk of deportation. On March 6, the US President, answering questions from journalists, said: “Some people think it's appropriate, and some people don't. And I will make a decision soon enough.” This means that the fate of Ukrainian refugees in the United States remains uncertain.
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How do Ukrainians feel in the United States?
According to the CES study, it was in the United States that Ukrainian refugees reported the best attitude toward them. None of the respondents complained about the negative attitude of local residents. The authors of the study attribute this to the high level of ethnic and cultural diversity in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
However, this study was conducted in December 2024, and it remains to be seen how Trump's new policies may affect American attitudes toward Ukrainians.
Do Ukrainians plan to stay in the United States?
The CES survey data show that
10.8% definitely plan to return to Ukraine.
Rather plan to return - 37.8%.
Rather do not plan to return - 24.3%.
Definitely do not plan to return - 18.9%.
It is difficult to say - 8.1%.
Thus, 43% of Ukrainian refugees in the United States definitely do not plan to return. For them, the possible revocation of their migration status could be a big blow, and they are likely to seek refuge in other countries.
Are Ukrainian refugees a burden for the United States?
Despite fears about migrants, Ukrainians in the United States demonstrate a high level of integration:
53% are working in their profession.
62% speak English at B1 level and above.
54% have friends and acquaintances among Americans.
About 40% no longer receive any government assistance.
These indicators show that Ukrainian refugees are not a burden to the U.S. economy, but, on the contrary, are actively integrating into society.
The future of Ukrainian refugees in the United States remains uncertain. Despite the high level of integration, the political decisions of the new administration could significantly change the situation. Ukrainians should keep an eye on migration policy updates and prepare for possible changes.
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