WASHINGTON D.C.: On a call with reporters this week, a Washington official said a new fast-track program, entitled “Uniting for Ukraine,” will allow eligible Ukrainians to stay in the U.S. for up to two years, but it will not provide a path to citizenship, unlike the U.S. refugee resettlement program.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said, provided they can show a means of financial support and pass background checks, any U.S. citizen, including representatives of businesses and non-profit organizations, can now apply to sponsor Ukrainians seeking refuge in the U.S.
Beginning this week, sponsors can submit applications for the “humanitarian parole” program, a process another official said could take one week to complete.
Last month, after being pressured by lawmakers and refugee advocates, the Biden administration said the U.S. would accept up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees.
Some 5 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded on 24th February, mostly for neighboring countries.
At the White House, Biden said, “This program will be fast, it will be streamlined, and will ensure the United States honors its commitment to the people of Ukraine.”
This week, the DHS said the new program will require American sponsors to apply on behalf of Ukrainians through an accelerated process, and approved Ukrainians will be eligible for work permits.
According to the administration, the effort to bring up to 100,000 Ukrainians to the U.S. could continue past the current fiscal year ending on 30th September.
While only 12 Ukrainians came through the U.S. refugee program in March, thousands have entered the U.S. through the Mexican border, with some having legal visas.
According to U.S. government data, 3,300 Ukrainians were processed by U.S. southern border authorities in March.
