BILL: Should Ukrainian Refugees Be Eligible for PR? - Ukrainian Adjustment Act of 2023 - H.R.3911

The Bill

H.R.3911 - Ukrainian Adjustment Act of 2023

Bill Status

• Sponsored by Rep. William R. Keating (D-Mass.) on June 7, 2023
• Bipartisan support from Reps. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio).
• Committees: House - Judiciary
• House: Not yet voted
• Senate: Not yet voted
• President: Not yet signed

Bill Overview

• Provides for the adjustment of the status of nationals of Ukraine, many of whom are wrestling with their legal status in the U.S.
• Grants permanent residency rights to thousands of Ukrainians who have entered the U.S. since 2014. This would allow them to work, contribute to society, and maintain a stable life in the U.S. until they can return home.
• Over 7 million Ukrainians have fled the country since the Russian invasion, many coming to the U.S.

What's in the Bill?

Supports refugees 

• Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, over 113,000 Ukrainian refugees have entered the U.S. under the Uniting for Ukraine private refugee sponsorship program. The program allows eligible Ukrainians to live and work in the U.S. for up to two years.
• Before the Uniting for Ukraine program, thousands of Ukrainians traveled to Mexico, where it was easier to obtain a visa, and then tried crossing the border.
• The program has been successful but has led to questions about what happens after the two-year visa expires in 2024. Currently, participants could be subject to deportation or unable to work legally. Ukrainian workers' impending loss of work authorization could make employers reluctant to hire them.

Extends permanent residence status to qualifying Ukrainian refugees

• The Secretary of Homeland Security will adjust the status of eligible Ukrainians if they apply. 
• Their application must be in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
• The Secretary of Homeland Security also needs to determine that the adjustment of the status of the eligible Ukrainian national is not contrary to the national welfare, safety, or security of the U.S.

What Supporters are Saying

• Sponsor Rep. Bill Keating (D-Mass.) said:

"As many Ukrainians fled the terror of Russia's attacks, the U.S. provided a safe haven for them. And part of that safe haven must be the stability and assurance that they will be able to reside in this country legally, without fear of deportation, until they are ready to return home. This is achieved through the Ukrainian Adjustment Act by providing Ukrainians in the U.S. with permanent residency status."

• Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) said:

"The Ukrainian Adjustment Act builds on our work to aid Ukrainian refugees. These individuals have fled their homes and their families in the hopes of maintaining their freedom. They need our support and the chance to begin building a new life here in America."

What Opponents are Saying

• Some observers believe it is unfair to refugees fleeing conflict, war, and oppression in other countries, like Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
• Rep. Quigley addressed this concern:

"Let this serve as a reminder that Ukrainian refugees are not the only group in need of permanent status. Those who aided our efforts in Afghanistan and have since fled are still waiting nearly two years after the withdrawal. Ukrainian and Afghan refugees have overcome immeasurable odds and devastation—they both deserve our help."

Tell your reps to support or oppose this bill

—Emma Kansiz 

(Photo Credit: Canva)