New Bill Offers Green Card Path for Ukrainians Paroled Since Feb 2014, Application Fees Waived

The "Ukrainian Adjustment Act of 2025" is on the table, and it’s basically looking to create a clearer, more direct path for certain Ukrainian nationals already in the U.S. to get a green card. If this passes, it would allow eligible Ukrainians who were paroled into the country after February 20, 2014, and meet other key requirements, to apply for lawful permanent resident status. The main goal is to offer a more stable footing for those who arrived under temporary parole.

Who's in the Running and What's Required?

So, who exactly could benefit? We're talking about Ukrainian citizens who were allowed into the U.S. on parole after February 20, 2014. This also includes folks paroled in to join a spouse, child, or parent already here under parole. It's not just a rubber stamp, though. Applicants will need to pass security checks that the bill says must be "equivalent to the vetting required for refugees," and that includes an interview. Think of it like a thorough background check plus a sit-down conversation.

Now, what if someone has an issue that would normally make them "inadmissible" under immigration law (that's stuff covered in section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, covering health, criminal, or security concerns)? The bill allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive some of these hurdles for "humanitarian reasons, for purposes of assuring family unity, or when otherwise in the public interest." This offers some flexibility. However, there's a hard stop: no waivers if the issue is criminal conduct committed in the U.S. after February 20, 2014. An application could also be turned down if the Secretary decides adjusting status is "contrary to the national interests of the United States," which is a fairly broad standard leaving room for interpretation.

The Perks and Protections Built In

This bill isn't just about eligibility; it has some practical benefits baked in. A big one is for victims of domestic violence. If a marriage ends due to battering or extreme cruelty, the affected spouse can still apply for up to two years after the marriage termination, provided the abuse is connected. The bill specifically tells Homeland Security to use existing protections for battered spouses and children (referencing INA section 204(a)(1)(J) and section 384 of IIRIRA).

Here’s something that will catch everyone’s eye: the bill explicitly forbids charging fees for these adjustment applications, any related employment authorization, or the green card itself. That could save applicants hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Plus, while your application is in the pipeline, you’d be protected from removal – a crucial safeguard – unless it’s determined you’re not eligible. And if approved, your permanent residency is backdated to when you were first admitted or paroled into the U.S., which can be important for future citizenship eligibility.

Timelines, Quotas, and the Bigger Picture

If this becomes law, things will need to move relatively quickly. The Department of Homeland Security would have 180 days to issue interim guidance on how this all works, and then one year to finalize those rules. Once those final rules are out, eligible Ukrainians generally have one year to apply (or one year from when they become eligible). Miss that window, and you might not get another chance for parole under this specific program, unless you get an extension or have already been through similar vetting.

A key detail for the wider immigration system is that Ukrainians getting green cards through this act won't count against the usual annual numerical limits set by sections 201, 202, and 203 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This means they won't be taking spots from people in line for family-sponsored or employment-based green cards. And finally, getting status this way doesn't stop someone from applying for any other immigration benefit they might qualify for. It's an additional option, not a replacement.