Many Ukrainians who had to leave the war back in their homeland are now facing some pretty big issues in the United States. Their work permits and legal stays are about to run out soon. This would in turn, force thousands of families on the move all over again. The whole issue was initiated through this U4U, Uniting for Ukraine program. A program where American people would sponsor Ukrainian people and help them lead a new life there. But now, with government changes, things seem fuzzy.
About the U4U Program
U4U program initiated in the last administration, Two years of humanitarian parole to Ukrainians – to live and work legally in the US for that period. 280,000 Ukrainians came through this before it halted at the start of the new administration. Some Who arrived before August 16, 2023, can apply for Temporary Protected Status or TPS and eventually qualified around 280,000 stopped short with the inauguration of the new President. “Some believe that some of their countrymen may have been living in the U.S. since August 16, 2023.”
Current Situation
Now many of those Ukrainians are in trouble. Their two-year “parole” is running out. They would have to reapply for re-parole for up to two more years, although, as the US government said, each case is to be considered individually. They assess if any reasons of great urgency or common good justify prolonging the sojourn of these people. However, all further action on the requests was stayed until a late May court order renewed them.
Without new permissions, many can’t work legally, which makes life very hard since they have bills to pay, like rent and food. Some have even lost their jobs simply because their work papers have expired. Families with kids get hit particularly hard. Kids who grow up here see the US as their home. They don’t want to leave.
Personal Stories
Personal stories show how difficult this is. One woman, we’ll say Natalia, has a son who does not remember Ukraine. He thinks he has always lived in the US. Tatiana told her the boy doesn’t understand why they might have to go. Both women and their families fell under U4U. They ended up applying for TPS but haven’t heard anything and can’t work and are freaking out about money.
“We gotta get food, pay our apts’ and cars’ bills. We can’t wait,” Tatiana said. Natalia added, “The US government invited us to come here. We don’t understand why this is happening.”
War in Ukraine
War continues to rage in Ukraine. Russians continue to strike, for example with drones, burning houses and cars. Most Ukrainians do not want to return as long as that leader is in power there. Even if there is a brief peace, they are afraid that the war will start again. Anybody will tell you it’s impossible. You just can’t get to the United States from Europe. It’s impossible to begin all over again, far from your family.
American Sponsors’ Perspective
Even the American sponsors are angry. It was their idea to bring the Ukrainians here, and now they feel bad about it. “If she’d had half a clue about any of this, I never would have done it,” said an Iowan sponsor. “People are brought here under the assumption that this is a good legal program—it can’t be tearing everybody’s heart because they know nothing at all.”
Key Facts
- About 280,000 Ukrainians entered through the U.S. program.
- It provides two years of humanitarian parole from the date of the individuals’ arrival.
- As of August 16, 2023, persons physically in the United States and continuous physical presence since that time may apply for TPS.
- More re-parole can be given – up to two years, but it is on a case-by-case basis.
- There was a late May court order that service be provided again for the requests.
- Most have work permits that have expired and cannot find employment.
- Families are in dread of children who see the US as their home.
- Sponsors feel bad asking for help from the lawmakers.
- War in Ukraine makes going home very dangerous.
- There might therefore not be places enough to take in all those returning home to Europe from the USA.
Impact on Communities
This is of concern also for the small towns and the ‘sponsor’ community built in Iowa to welcome the Ukrainians. Now these bonds are threatened. People wave flags of both countries to show they support it. But when leaders utter words about letting them stay if they can’t work or do not have papers, it does not help.
Advocacy and Call for Action
Advocates push for action, talking with lawmakers and the administration. They explain that simply saying people can stay is not enough. Without legal status, families suffer. Some will break the rules to put food in their kids’ mouths. Who wants that?
The Future
The future is ambiguous as of yet. Thousands will go if no change. This would hurt the U.S also, for many Ukrainians work hard and contribute to communities. It would start the school over for kids in schools and add more pain to families split by war right now.
All fingers are crossed for things to be expedited: TPS processes, and parole reviews. Clear rules so people, or at least the prosecutors, know what to do. Ukrainians didn’t come to the rescue; they came in with a little help from benevolent Americans to build lives. Now, they need help.
This is for the people who have fled from war. They need peace and a home again. This should be done quickly by the US. Any family, more so Natalia’s and Tatiana’s, should at least be accorded this much after everything they have been subjected to.
