More than 1.5 million people have crossed the border from Ukraine to neighboring countries. This is “the fastest growing refugee crisis” in Europe since World War II, according to the U.N. head. On Sunday, the refugee agency tweeted. Nearly all of the refugees have fled to Europe where they were generally welcomed with open arms. Some may need to be resettled permanently in the United States, if they cannot return to Ukraine.
Let’s take a look at the situation.
WHAT HAS THE U.S. DONE TO HELP REFUGEES SO FAR? WHAT HAS THE U.S. ACTIVELY DONE TO HELP REFUGEES?
According to Samantha Power (head of U.S. aid), the U.S. has sent $54 million to Ukraine in food and other assistance and promised to send more. Agency for International Development. This aid is crucial because the conditions in Ukraine are becoming increasingly dire. As millions flee Russia, food is scarce.
The Biden administration announced that it would provide temporary protected status for Ukrainians who are already in the United States. Although advocates and members of Congress welcomed the announcement, the results are not great. According to the Department of Homeland Security, approximately 75,000 people are eligible. The program is only valid for 18 months and cannot be extended. The program also leaves beneficiaries in an immigration limbo as they cannot convert their status to permanent legal residency or U.S citizenship.
WILL THE U.S. BE RESETTLEMENT TAKING IN UKRAINIAN RESFUGEES?
It could. Jen Psaki, a White House spokesperson, said that the U.S. would welcome Ukrainian refugees. However, the administration claims that most refugees want to remain in Europe for the time being. Many of them have families and can work, then return home if it is possible.
On Sunday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on CNN’s “State of the Union”, that the United States was committed to supporting the countries who are currently bearing the burden of accepting Ukrainians. If people are eligible, we will consider it and, if necessary, I’m certain that we will act on it.
In the previous budget year 2022, the administration stated that it would accept 125,000 refugees. Under President Donald Trump, that annual limit was reduced to 15,000 The Biden administration created 10,000 refugee visas to be used by people from Europe. However, it may increase that number to accommodate more Ukrainians. The White House stated that it will collaborate with the United Nations, European countries and other nations to determine whether refugees from Europe will require permanent resettlement in America or elsewhere.
The 76,000 Afghans who arrived in the United States following the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, August, are not included in the 125,000.
The U.S. could help Ukrainians immediately by expediting the processing of thousands of members of religious minorities groups, including Jews or evangelical Christians, who already have relatives in the United States and have applied for the Lautenberg program.
CAN THE U.S. REFUGEE SYSTEM ABSORB A NEW WAVE OF REFUGEES?
Experts in refugee resettlement say it will be difficult but possible.
Trump’s cuts to the refugee program caused resettlement agencies in America to close their offices and lay off employees. They have struggled for months to assist the thousands of Afghan refugees fleeing their country to the Taliban. This complex problem was compounded by rising housing costs and the pandemic coronavirus.
Despite all the challenges, the U.S. could handle more refugees, according to Mark Hetfield (president and CEO of HIAS), one of the nine national resettlement agencies.
Hetfield stated that there is so much interest in helping these individuals that resources and volunteers would be available. It would be difficult because we are all stretched too thin. It would be a challenge, but we’d make it work.