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. ๐บ๐ฆ ๐บ๐ธ
On April 21, 2022, the United States took a significant stride. In fact, it fulfilled President Bidenโs commitment to welcoming Ukrainians seeking refuge from crisis due to Russiaโs invasion. The program is known as โUniting for Ukraine.โ 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 โ Uniting for Ukraine
The initial step in theย Uniting for Ukraineย 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).
๐น Any Ukrainian refugee (and immediate family members outside the US) may enter and stay under a two-year period of parole. ๐บ๐ฆ ๐๐ค
๐น The beneficiary must have a supporter who files a Form I-134A on their behalf and meets certain criteria. ๐๐๐ผ
๐น Immediate family members include spouses, common-law partners, and unmarried children under the age of 21. ๐ช๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง
๐น Children under 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian to use this process.๐ธ ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง
๐น Biographic and biometric security checks are a requirement. USCIS needs to confirm financial support from the supporter. ๐๐ฐ๐
๐น 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). ๐บ๐ฆโ๐บ๐ธ
๐น 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. ๐ฆ๐ง๐ข๐ข
๐น 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. ๐๏ธ๐โ๏ธ
๐น The standard parole process should not bypass adoption processes. For adoption-related information, visit the DOS Ukraine Adoption Information Page. โ ๏ธ๐ซ๐ถ
About Uniting for Ukraine & Support for Ukranian Refugees
Starting with the programโs inception in February 2022, over 271,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the US. Moreover, more than 117,000 came through under the โUnity for Ukraineโ program. ๐ซโ๏ธ
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. ๐ ๐ช๐ค
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. ๐คฒ๐ฝ๐ค
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. ๐๐ณ๏ธ๐ก 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. โฐ๐ผโ
Call Shepelsky Law today to get answers to your questions. โ๏ธ๐๐ฌ
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