Ukrainian Family Faces Deportation Amid Health Crisis and Cleveland Court’s High Denial Rate

Tamila Vashchuk, her husband Mykola, and their 10-year-old son face a Cleveland immigration court hearing on removal orders after re-entering the United States in December 2022. They entered under the Uniting for Ukraine parole program in June 2022, left for Kyiv for the son’s hormonal treatment, and were deemed to have violated travel-abroad restrictions. The hearing, delayed from June, is set for August 2026.

The Guardian

Uniting for Ukraine grants temporary parole but bars travel abroad without prior approval. About 235,000 Ukrainians entered the U.S. under the scheme; 103,000 hold TPS, expiring October 2026. Cleveland judges deny asylum in over 70 % of cases, and the judge handling the Vashchuks’ case has the nation’s highest denial rate. Russian attacks have cut Ukraine’s electricity generation by roughly 50 %, threatening refrigerated medication.

The Guardian

The son’s daily hormonal medication needs constant refrigeration; Ukraine’s power outages and unreliable supply chains jeopardize treatment. Deportation would end his care and risk severe health effects. The family’s Ohio pierogi business and a Kyiv food-production venture are on hold pending the court decision. Local Ukrainian groups note that immigrants support schools, the economy, and cultural life, yet policies lag behind their contributions.

The Guardian

The Department of Homeland Security said the family “attempted to illegally re-enter the US without valid travel documents” and will receive full due process at the August hearing. Global Refuge affirmed Ukraine’s conditions still meet TPS criteria. The State Department lists Ukraine as a “level four: do not travel” zone due to ongoing combat and infrastructure attacks. TRAC reports Cleveland judges deny asylum over 70 % of cases, with the assigned judge among the nation’s highest denial rates.

The Guardian

Human-rights groups urge expanded immigration resources for Ukrainians. Re:Source Cleveland’s Patrick Kearns calls for the Ukrainian Adjustment Act, saying policies lag behind immigrants’ economic contributions. DHS declined to answer whether deportation would be excessive given the child’s medical needs.

The Guardian

• “I have two master’s degrees. We know this country. We love this country,” — Tamila Vashchuk, Ukrainian immigrant

The Guardian

• “The doctor was saying that the supply in Ukraine is unreliable, and he has to take it until he is 18,” — Mykola Vashchuk, Ukrainian immigrant

The Guardian

• “We work in the public school systems and we have seen every single Ukrainian student graduate on time and every single one be accepted into post-secondary education programs,” — Patrick Kearns, Executive Director, Re:Source Cleveland

The Guardian

• “We have appealed for help from local politicians but heard nothing back,” — Mykola Vashchuk, Ukrainian immigrant

The Guardian

The August 2026 hearing will decide if removal orders stand. If upheld, the family can appeal while advocates push for the Ukrainian Adjustment Act and a TPS extension.

The Guardian