U.S. to Streamline Process for Admitting Up to 100K Ukrainian Refugees

What’s the story?

• The U.S. on Thursday announced a new and streamlined process for up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees to come to America as they flee Russia’s war of aggression against their home country. The new process will be available for use beginning on April 25th.
• The Biden administration’s “Uniting for Ukraine” program will help eligible Ukrainians who have an American sponsor come to the U.S. as refugees. American citizens and other U.S.-based individuals, including representatives of non-governmental organizations, can apply to the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) to sponsor Ukrainian applicants. This process requires would-be sponsors to declare their financial support and pass security background checks to protect against exploitation and abuse.  
• Once sponsored, Ukrainian refugees would be eligible to come to the U.S. after they complete other steps in the vetting process, including completing any necessary vaccinations and other public health requirements; plus passing biometric and biographical background screenings along with related security vetting. DHS said the U.S. government is working with European partners to ensure Ukrainians can meet the program’s vaccination requirements.
• Ukrainians approved as refugees would be authorized to travel in the U.S. and be considered for parole, on a case-by-case basis, for a period of up to two years. After Ukrainian refugees are granted parole they would become eligible for work authorization.
• In the announcement, DHS strongly encouraged Ukrainians who don’t have a U.S. visa or aren’t eligible to seek entry through the Uniting for Ukraine program from Europe, calling it “the safest and most efficient way to pursue temporary refuge in the United States.” 
• Notably, DHS warned Ukrainians against traveling to Mexico to attempt to enter the U.S. via the Southern border, where illegal immigration is currently at record-setting levels. In March alone, 3,274 Ukrainians were apprehended attempting to cross the Southern border after 1,793 Ukrainians had been apprehended over the prior eight months.
• The agency noted that once Uniting for Ukraine launches on April 25th, Ukrainians who present themselves at U.S. land ports of entry without a valid visa or without pre-authorization will be denied entry and referred to apply using Uniting Ukraine.

What they’re saying 

• Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said of the initiative:

“We are proud to deliver on President Biden’s commitment to welcome 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing Russian aggression to the United States. The Ukrainian people continue to suffer immense tragedy and loss as a result of Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified attack on their country. DHS will continue to provide relief to the Ukrainian people, while supporting our European allies who have shouldered so much as the result of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.”

• Secretary of State Antony Blinken added:

“The U.S. Department of State stands with the people of Ukraine. We will deliver on the President’s commitment to welcome 100,000 Ukrainian citizens and others forced to flee their homes in Ukraine, and our partnership with the Department of Homeland Security will help us fulfill that commitment.”

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• How You Can Help Ukrainian Refugees Fleeing Russia’s Invasion

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Mirek Pruchnicki via Flickr / Creative Commons)