US to Launch Parole Program for Ukrainian Refugees; U.S. Launches New Program to Bring in Ukrainians fleeing conflict, and related stories

James Keivom

US to launch parole program for Ukrainian refugees:

The White House on Thursday unveiled a sponsorship-focused program to streamline the acceptance of up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees in the US, while warning them to avoid trying to come in via Mexico.

The “Uniting for Ukraine” initiative will launch via an online portal on April 25, senior officials from the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Council revealed before the official announcement.

Under the plan, organizations like churches and other civic groups will be able to identify Ukrainian nationals applying for humanitarian parole and coordinate with Americans wishing to help. Would-be sponsors will be able to upload an affidavit of support directly onto the portal system.

Sponsors must be able to “attest to their ability” to support the various refugees and will be subject to background checks and screenings.

Ukrainian refugees seeking parole through the program must have a sponsor to be approved. Parole will be granted on a case-by-case basis and last up to two years. --->READ MORE HERE

REUTERS/Jorge Duenes

U.S. launches new program to bring in Ukrainians fleeing conflict:

The Biden administration will allow Ukrainians fleeing Russia's invasion of their home country to come to the United States temporarily if they have American sponsors, U.S. officials said on Thursday.

A new fast-track "humanitarian parole" program starting next week will offer qualifying Ukrainians the ability to stay in the United States for up to two years, one official said on a call with reporters. Unlike the U.S. refugee resettlement program, it does not provide a path to citizenship.

Any U.S. citizen, including representatives of businesses and nonprofit organizations, can apply to sponsor Ukrainians seeking refuge in the United States but must show financial support and pass background checks, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said.

Sponsors can submit applications for the program, called "Uniting for Ukraine," beginning on Monday - a process another official said could take a week to complete.

Facing pressure from lawmakers and refugee advocates, President Joe Biden's administration said last month the United States would accept up to 100,000 Ukrainians. --->READ MORE HERE

Follow links below to related stories:

Biden launching flagship 'United for Ukraine' refugee program

Ukraine Refugees: What to Know About the Humanitarian Situation

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