H.R. 2118 — Protecting our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act

This section establishes definitions for terms used in the Act, including (1) incorporating the meaning of any term also used in the immigration laws; (2) defining eligible alien as an alien paroled under the Uniting for Ukraine parole process announced on April 21, 2022 (i.e., a humanitarian parole program allowing certain Ukrainians and their family members outside the United States to enter for up to two years); and (3) defining immigration laws by reference to section 101(a)(17) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(17)).

This section establishes Ukrainian guest status—deeming eligible aliens admitted to the United States as of their initial parole date (notwithstanding other law)—and authorizes employment incident to such status. The status expires 120 days after the Secretary of State determines that hostilities in Ukraine have ceased and conditions allow safe civilian return, and may be revoked by the Secretary of Homeland Security if the alien is described in INA §241(b)(3)(B) (i.e., certain criminals, persecutors, or national security risks ineligible for withholding of removal).