On April 21st, President Biden announced a new program known as “Uniting for Ukraine” in order to create a more streamlined and efficient process for Ukrainian refugees seeking safety in the United States. The program kicks off today, Monday, April 25, 2022.
The program has a goal of welcoming as many as 100,000 Ukrainian refugees with the possibility of accepting more as time goes on. There has not been much detailed information released about the specifics of the program yet, but there are a few general items to go over. Ukrainians must meet certain criteria to apply for humanitarian parole. These criteria include items such as obtaining certain vaccinations and clearing background and biographic checks. If the Ukrainian applicants are approved, they will be authorized for two years to travel to the U.S. and could be eligible for work authorization.
Ukrainians who are attempting to apply must have been a citizen living in Ukraine before February 11th. This date was two weeks before the Russian invasion of the country. The Ukrainian applicant must also have a sponsor in the United States according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The U.S. government is urging Ukrainian applicants to apply and travel through Europe, as it will be the most efficient and safe way to complete the process. Ukrainians attempting to come into the U.S. through Mexico without a valid visa or preauthorization will not be allowed into the U.S. The State Department has recently declared that the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program in Europe will be expanded to meet the rapidly increasing demand for their services.
As more information about this program and other immigration opportunities for Ukrainians are updated, we will keep you informed. Be sure to subscribe to Berardi Immigration Law’s social media channels to stay up to date on all the latest immigration related news!
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