Biden Administration Quietly Resumes Deportations to Russia — What It Means and How to Respond
Reporting in 2023 revealed that, after initially pausing removals following the invasion of Ukraine, the Biden administration resumed deportations to Russia, returning some men fleeing conscription and repression. Advocacy groups noted cases routed through third countries, underscoring the policy shift’s risks for dissidents and draft evaders.
Why this matters
For Russian nationals with pending cases, a resumed removal posture raises stakes at every stage—credible-fear screenings, bond, and final-order enforcement. It also aligns with broader restoration of ICE flight capacity after litigation cleared key charter operations in 2023, making removals logistically easier.
If you fear return to Russia
- Preserve protection claims. File asylum/withholding/CAT within the one-year deadline (or argue for an exception) and tailor evidence to current repression: mobilization orders, anti-war activity, summonses, threats, or detention records. Explain why internal relocation is unsafe and document state acquiescence to harm.
- Document everything. Keep police and court papers, medical/psych evaluations, social-media posts, affidavits, and expert letters tying your profile to country-conditions evidence.
- Protect against detention/removal. If you have a final order, consult counsel on motions to reopen, stays of removal, and prosecutorial discretion; ICE can move quickly once travel documents are arranged.
- Consider alternative paths. Family- or employment-based avenues, TPS (if designated), or humanitarian parole may complement, not replace, protection claims.
For those in detention or on orders of supervision
- Know your rights. You may remain silent, request a lawyer, and decline home entry without a judicial warrant. Prepare a safety packet: A-Number, receipts, attorney contact, and evidence of community ties.
- Medical and mental-health care. Seek trauma-informed evaluations; they support both treatment and legal claims.
Employer & community support
Letters verifying employment, study, caregiving, or public-interest work can weigh heavily in bond, PD, and discretionary adjudications.
Bottom line
Removals to Russia have occurred despite heightened risks. A decision-ready, evidence-rich protection case—paired with timely motions and stay requests—is your best defense against rapid deportation.
