Unfortunately, there is an ongoing refugee crisis in Ukraine due to Russia’s invasion. Ukrainians have had to flee their homeland to seek safety and protection. Fortunately, on April 22, 2022, President Biden announced he was taking a step to fulfill his commitment to welcoming Ukrainian refugees into the U.S. In doing so, the Uniting for Ukraine program has been established. Essentially, the Uniting for Ukraine pathway grants Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members the opportunity to enter the U.S. for a temporary 2-year period of parole. However, to participate in the Uniting for Ukraine program, Ukrainian citizens (beneficiaries) must have someone in the U.S. support them. A supporter must willingly provide the refugee with financial support for the duration of their stay in the U.S. If you are seeking temporary status through the Uniting of Ukraine program or want to become a supporter, please read on and contact an adept Essex County Immigration Attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of this process.
How does the Uniting for Ukraine process work?
To begin the Uniting for Ukraine process, the Ukrainians must find a supporter that will financially support them for the duration of their temporary stay in the U.S. Once the U.S.-based supporter has agreed, they are required to file an Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support (I-134A) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS will then have to evaluate the supporter’s finances to ensure they can financially support the Ukrainian refugee. It is imperative to note that Ukrainian beneficiaries cannot apply for parole on their own. Their supporter must do so on their behalf. If after the USCIS vets and evaluates the submitted I-134A form, the Ukrainian beneficiary will be sent pertinent information on how to continue the process. This has been the primary route for Ukrainians that wish to seek parole in the U.S. after fleeing Russia’s invasion. Furthermore, it is important to note that Ukrainians that are already in the U.S. are not eligible. They are not eligible if they are not lawful residents.
Who can be a supporter?
To be a supporter of the Uniting for Ukraine program, individuals must meet certain requirements. Firstly, an individual must have lawful status or be a parolee or beneficiary of deferred action or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). They must have passed a background check and demonstrated that they have sufficient financial means to maintain and assist the individual they are seeking to support. In addition, DACA, TPS holders, Asylees, refugees, parolees, nonimmigrants in lawful status, lawful permanent residents, temporary residents, and conditional permanent residents may meet supporter requirements for Uniting for Ukraine.
If you are seeking parole under Uniting for Ukraine, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted and dedicated attorney. It is important to retain the right legal counsel as they can help you understand this legal process to ensure you submit all of the proper forms. Our firm is committed to helping our clients seek safety and protection in the U.S.
