US Federal House Bill HB2118

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/14/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Protecting our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act

Summary

HB2118, titled the Protecting our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act, would create a new immigration classification called “Ukrainian guest status” for certain Ukrainian nationals who were paroled into the United States through the Uniting for Ukraine process announced on April 21, 2022. The bill deems those eligible individuals to have been admitted in this status as of the date they were first paroled into the United States, rather than remaining solely in parole status. The bill also authorizes people in Ukrainian guest status to work in the United States for as long as that status lasts. The status would end 120 days after the Secretary of State determines both that hostilities in Ukraine have ceased and that conditions in Ukraine are safe and reasonable for civilian return. In addition, the Secretary of Homeland Security could revoke the status if an individual falls within certain criminal or security-related inadmissibility or removal categories referenced in the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend the practical immigration treatment of Ukrainians admitted under the Uniting for Ukraine parole process by converting that parole-based presence into a statutory guest status with explicit work authorization. It would affect federal immigration administration, including the roles of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State, and would create a temporary legal pathway tied to the end of the war and conditions for return in Ukraine. The bill does not appear to change state law directly, but it would affect employers, Ukrainian parolees, and immigration enforcement by clarifying lawful presence and employment eligibility.

Sentiment

The available context suggests generally supportive intent, with the bill introduced by bipartisan sponsors and framed as humanitarian relief for Ukrainians displaced by the war. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, so there is no evidence of formal opposition or debate in the record supplied. The bill’s structure indicates a focus on temporary protection and work authorization rather than permanent immigration relief.

Contention

The main potential points of contention are likely to be immigration policy and the scope of executive discretion. Supporters would emphasize humanitarian protection, stability, and work authorization for Ukrainians already paroled into the country, while critics could object to creating a new status, extending lawful presence, or tying termination to determinations by the Secretary of State. Another possible issue is the revocation standard, which incorporates criminal and security-related grounds from immigration law and could raise questions about implementation and eligibility screening.