A recent error by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has left many Ukrainian refugees feeling alarmed and uncertain about their future in the United States. The agency mistakenly sent an email to some Ukrainians under the Uniting for Ukraine program, telling them to leave the country immediately. The email said their legal status was ending within a week and that they would face legal action if they stayed.

The message, dated April 3, included harsh language, including a line that read, “The federal government will find you. Leave the United States immediately.” It also urged the recipients to register for “voluntary departure,” creating panic and confusion in a community already facing the trauma of war and displacement.

Homeland Security Issues Apology and Correction

Following public attention and pressure, Homeland Security admitted that the email was sent in error. The department said there was no change to the legal status of Ukrainians under the Uniting for Ukraine program. A second email was sent out to clarify the mistake and reassure participants that they could remain in the U.S. legally.

Officials stressed that the Biden-era program, which has welcomed over 240,000 Ukrainian refugees, is still active. Many of these individuals were approved to stay in the country for humanitarian reasons, and they have received work permits and protection from deportation.

In a public statement, a DHS spokesperson said, “We deeply regret the error and the distress it caused. We are taking steps to ensure this does not happen again.”

Fear Spreads Among Refugees

Although the government acted quickly to fix the mistake, the damage was already done. The email created widespread fear among Ukrainian families. Many had fled their homes because of Russia’s invasion and now feared they might be forced to leave the U.S. as well.

Olena, a mother of two living in Chicago, said she broke down in tears when she read the message. “We left Ukraine with only our lives and a few bags. Now we’re scared all over again. I thought we were safe here,” she said.

The incident has raised larger concerns about how immigration programs are managed. Advocates worry that such errors can have long-term effects on people who already face trauma and uncertainty.

Other Groups Also Impacted by Policy Changes

While the email to Ukrainian refugees was a mistake, other immigrant groups are currently dealing with actual changes in policy. Recent rollbacks have affected people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These changes include limits on humanitarian parole and fewer pathways to legal stay.

For now, Ukrainians are still protected under the Uniting for Ukraine program. But many worry about how long that protection will last. Immigration policy in the U.S. can change quickly, especially during election years. Refugee advocates are calling for more consistent communication and legal safeguards.

Legal Trouble Over Wrongful Deportation

In a separate immigration case, a federal judge has ruled that the U.S. government wrongfully deported a man from Maryland. Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a legal resident, was sent back to El Salvador last month without proper legal process. Federal agents used the Alien Enemies Act, a law that dates back to 1798 and is rarely enforced.

Judge Paula Xinis said the removal was unlawful and ordered the government to find a way to bring Garcia back. Federal agencies have admitted their error but claim there is no easy way to reverse the deportation.

The Justice Department has announced plans to appeal the ruling. Meanwhile, Garcia remains in El Salvador, separated from his family and community in Maryland.

This case adds to the growing concern about how immigration rules are applied and how mistakes can lead to serious consequences for real people.

Experts Urge Caution and Reform

Legal experts and human rights groups are urging U.S. officials to be more careful and transparent when dealing with immigrants and refugees. They argue that errors like the one involving Ukrainian refugees, and the wrongful deportation of Garcia, show the need for better oversight and clearer laws.

Immigration attorney Linda Chavez explained, “People’s lives are at stake. Mistakes like these destroy trust and can’t be brushed aside with a simple apology. There must be a system to make things right.”

Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have also weighed in, demanding that Homeland Security improve its internal checks to avoid such errors in the future.

A Call for Stability

As political debates over immigration continue, many families in the U.S. are just hoping for stability. Refugees and immigrants want clear rules, fair treatment, and a chance to build new lives without fear of sudden changes or mistakes.

The Biden administration has promised to support legal immigration and protect those fleeing war and violence. Incidents like this, however, raise questions about how well those promises are being kept.

The affected Ukrainian families are still waiting for answers and assurances that such a scare won’t happen again.