American congressmen have introduced a bill aimed at ensuring stability and safety for Ukrainian citizens residing in the United States. This is a result of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. This addresses the ongoing refugee crisis from Ukraine. It provides support to those seeking refugee status in America. 🇺🇦 🇺🇸
On April 21, 2022, the United States took a significant stride. In fact, it fulfilled President Biden’s commitment to welcoming Ukrainians seeking refuge from crisis due to Russia’s invasion. The program is known as “Uniting for Ukraine.” It provides a viable pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members (currently outside the US), to enter the country and reside temporarily. To participate, Ukrainians must have a sponsor residing in the United States. A sponsor must be willing to offer them financial support throughout their stay.
How Ukrainian Refugees Can Immigrate to the US – Uniting for Ukraine
The initial step in the Uniting for Ukraine process involves the U.S.-based sponsor filing an I-134A. This is an Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
🔹 Any Ukrainian refugee (and immediate family members outside the US) may enter and stay under a two-year period of parole. 🇺🇦 🛂🤝
🔹 The beneficiary must have a supporter who files a Form I-134A on their behalf and meets certain criteria. 📝📋💼
🔹 Immediate family members include spouses, common-law partners, and unmarried children under the age of 21. 👪👨👩👧
🔹 Children under 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian to use this process.🚸 👨👩👧
🔹 Biographic and biometric security checks are a requirement. USCIS needs to confirm financial support from the supporter. 🔐💰🔍
🔹 Ukrainian citizens currently in the United States do not qualify for parole under Uniting for Ukraine. However, they may be eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). 🇺🇦❌🇺🇸
🔹 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may place children traveling without a parent or legal guardian in their custody. This takes place upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry. 👦👧🚢🏢
🔹 Children traveling to meet a parent or legal guardian can seek parole through the standard Form I-131 parole process. This requires written permission and evidence of relationship. 🗂️📝✉️
🔹 The standard parole process should not bypass adoption processes. For adoption-related information, visit the DOS Ukraine Adoption Information Page. ⚠️🚫👶
About Uniting for Ukraine & Support for Ukranian Refugees
Starting with the program’s inception in February 2022, over 271,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the US. Moreover, more than 117,000 came through under the “Unity for Ukraine” program. 🛫✈️
Essentially, Ukrainians residing in the US are still threatened and unable to return to their native homes. Consequently, the legislation regulating the situation in Ukraine will grant Ukrainian individuals who have been in the US since 2014 and have received conditional parole permanent residency status. Fortunately, this will enable them to work, contribute to society, and secure a stable life in the US until it becomes safe to return home. 🏠💪🤝
The congressmen expressed their support for Ukrainian refugees and emphasized the need to grant them permanent residency status in the United States to combat this crisis. The legislation regulating the situation in Ukraine draws inspiration from a similar law that applied to Afghan citizens who supported the American mission in Afghanistan. 🤲🗽🤝
The congressmen urge their colleagues to support this bill and provide a safe haven for any Ukrainian refugee family residing and working in the US. 🙌🗳️🏡 This will support Ukrainian refugees in crisis!
At Shepelsky Law Group, we strongly recommend taking proactive steps without delay instead of passively waiting for a stroke of luck. In fact, we encourage you to seek professional assistance promptly to navigate the complexities of the Ukrainian refugee crisis Remember that even a single day can change the situation for a Ukrainian refugee. ⏰💼❗
Call Shepelsky Law today to get answers to your questions. ☎️📞💬
Visit our blog to learn more immigration news! 📰🌐✨