May 10, 2022
On April 21, the Biden administration announced “Uniting for Ukraine,” a new humanitarian parole program to welcome up to 100,000 people displaced by the ongoing Russian invasion. The program allows U.S. citizens and organizations to sponsor and take fiscal responsibility for Ukrainians and certain foreign nationals living in Ukraine.
Although this is an important step in the right direction, humanitarian parole is a temporary status and thereby a temporary solution. It doesn’t include access to essential social services and lacks a pathway to more permanent safety.
It’s critical that Congress provides humanitarian parolees from Ukraine with access to vital resettlement services and public benefits, just as we did for those from Afghanistan last fall. It’s equally important that both Ukrainian and Afghan humanitarian parolees can adjust their status should they not be able to safely return home.
Chicago is home to the second largest Ukrainian community in the U.S. RefugeeOne has already begun serving families from Ukraine, most of whom entered through the southern border. Our Ukrainian staff have already begun outreach in the community to support families during this difficult time. We will continue to welcome and assist people who have been forced from their homes, whether from Ukraine, Afghanistan, or beyond.
On April 21, the Biden administration announced “Uniting for Ukraine,” a new humanitarian parole program to welcome up to 100,000 people displaced by the ongoing Russian invasion. The program allows U.S. citizens and organizations to sponsor and take fiscal responsibility for Ukrainians and certain foreign nationals living in Ukraine.
Although this is an important step in the right direction, humanitarian parole is a temporary status and thereby a temporary solution. It doesn’t include access to essential social services and lacks a pathway to more permanent safety.
It’s critical that Congress provides humanitarian parolees from Ukraine with access to vital resettlement services and public benefits, just as we did for those from Afghanistan last fall. It’s equally important that both Ukrainian and Afghan humanitarian parolees can adjust their status should they not be able to safely return home.
Chicago is home to the second largest Ukrainian community in the U.S. RefugeeOne has already begun serving families from Ukraine, most of whom entered through the southern border. Our Ukrainian staff have already begun outreach in the community to support families during this difficult time. We will continue to welcome and assist people who have been forced from their homes, whether from Ukraine, Afghanistan, or beyond.
March 9, 2022
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Dear friends,
For weeks, we’ve watched the devastating situation in Ukraine unfold, driving what is likely to be the largest displacement crisis in Europe this century. More than 2 million Ukrainians have already fled the country, and the UN estimates up to 5 million may need protection in the coming months. Although it’s too soon to know what role the U.S. will play in their resettlement, RefugeeOne stands ready to welcome Ukrainians, just as we’ve welcomed Afghans these past 6 months. Our national resettlement partners are in conversation with the State Department to ensure we're prepared to respond whatever the need may be. As you’ve seen, most of Europe is sympathetic to the Ukrainian plight and likely to welcome those forced to flee. While we applaud this generosity, we also urge them to welcome refugees from all parts of the globe in the same manner, whether from Africa, Burma, Iraq, Syria, or beyond. Together over the last 40 years, we’ve welcomed 20,000 refugees to Chicago–including many Ukrainians who now live alongside us as our friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Our hearts ache for their families left in harm’s way. As always, RefugeeOne stands ready to welcome all those fleeing violence and persecution, no matter where they're from. Thank you for helping ensure they have a welcoming place to rebuild their lives. With thanks, Melineh Kano Executive Director |
Stand with Ukraine!
Want to show solidarity with Ukrainians and other refugees?
Join us in calling on Congress to uphold protections for displaced people and families who are at risk. |