The United States has announced new policies to aid individuals fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The new initiative, entitled “Uniting for Ukraine,” went into effect on April 25, 2022, and streamlines the process for granting Ukrainians humanitarian parole into the U.S. The Biden administration had previously committed to accepting up to 100,000 displaced Ukrainians.
“We are proud to deliver on President Biden’s commitment to welcome 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing Russian aggression to the United States,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement. “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.”
To be eligible for the initiative, Ukrainians must:
- Have been residents in Ukraine as of February 11, 2022
- Have a sponsor in the United States
- Have completed vaccinations and other public health requirements
- Pass biometric and biographic screening and vetting security checks
“Ukrainians approved via this process will be authorized to travel to the United States and be considered for parole, on a case-by-case basis, for a period of up to two years,” an announcement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) read. “Once paroled through this process, Ukrainians will be eligible for work authorization.”
United States residents can apply to sponsor Ukrainians on the DHS website. Sponsors, which can include representatives of non-government organizations, must “declare their financial support and pass security background checks,” according to the DHS.
“The U.S. Department of State stands with the people of Ukraine,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. “We will help 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.”
Other initiatives
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also announced earlier this week additional measures to aid Ukrainians.
Those initiatives include expanding the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) operations and resettlement options in Europe as well as increasing nonimmigrant visa appointments at European embassies and consulates.
“The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to supporting the people of Ukraine and continues to closely coordinate our efforts with our European allies and partners who are on the frontlines of aiding Ukrainian citizens forced to flee due to Russian aggression,” a statement from the DHS read.