Uniting for Ukraine

The Biden administration has set up a program called Uniting for Ukraine to allow for up to 100,000 people fleeing Ukraine to come to the U.S. with the support of a sponsor.

To be eligible, they must have been in Ukraine as of Feb 11, be fully vaccinated, and pass security checks. At that time they can be admitted to the U.S. as Humanitarian Parolees for up to two years and with work authorization. They are also eligible for some federal benefits (SNAP, Emergency Medicaid, Affordable Care Act insurance and others), but not the full range of benefits that those who come through the traditional refugee program receive. Individuals and groups of people can apply to be sponsors.

Go to Uniting for Ukraine to learn about who’s eligible, how to sponsor them, what they need, what programs they’re eligible for, sponsorship requirements, and more.

However, as part of this program, the U.S. will deny admission to those trying to enter the U.S. from neighboring countries without a valid visa or authorization. The administration has been criticized for relying on the Humanitarian Parole program rather than bolstering the refugee admissions program, and for offering preferential treatment to Ukrainians above people from other countries.