Yana, a 10-year-old fourth-grader from Ukraine, has found a welcoming home in Pennington, New Jersey, since fleeing her country due to Russia’s invasion. She expressed admiration for the kindness of the people in the U.S. and her sense of safety in the new environment. Yana’s mother, Olena Kopchak, vividly recalls the terrifying experience of their neighborhood being shelled by the Russian military, leading to their decision to flee the country for their safety.
The U.S. quickly responded to the refugee crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with President Biden committing to welcoming 100,000 Ukrainians. The Uniting for Ukraine program was established in April 2022, allowing Ukrainians sponsored by Americans to come to the U.S. and work legally without undergoing the usual visa process. Lana Rogers, Yana’s aunt and an American citizen, utilized this program to sponsor her sister’s family, who arrived in New Jersey in June 2022 and have since settled in the area.
Over 236,000 cases have been approved under the Uniting for Ukraine program, with more than 187,000 Ukrainians arriving in the U.S. through this initiative by March. An additional 350,000 Ukrainians have entered the U.S. through temporary visas since the start of the invasion. The efficiency of the program has been noted, with minimal controversy surrounding the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees in American communities. Unlike other immigration policies that have faced legal challenges, the Uniting for Ukraine program has been largely supported by both Democrats and Republicans.
The warm reception of Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. has been attributed to a sense of solidarity between the American and Ukrainian people, as well as the unique nature of the Uniting for Ukraine program. Unlike other immigrant populations, Ukrainians under this program can work legally immediately upon arrival and are eligible for federal benefits. However, they face challenges such as the expiration of their immigration authority every two years and a lack of a clear path to permanent legal status or citizenship.
While some obstacles remain for Ukrainian refugees in the U.S., such as uncertainty about their future and the ongoing conflict in their homeland, they have found a supportive environment in American communities. The Uniting for Ukraine program has demonstrated the U.S.’s ability to act swiftly in response to humanitarian crises and provide effective support to those in need. Despite the challenges ahead, Ukrainian refugees like Yana and her family have found hope and stability in their new lives in the U.S.
