Yesterday the White House announced that the United States will accept up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees fleeing war.
The U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) shared additional information with the United States Council of Catholic Bishops regarding this commitment.
PRM confirmed that to meet this commitment, the U.S. will consider the full range of legal pathways to the United States, including the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, parole, and other means.
As shared in the White House statement, it is expected that most displaced Ukrainian citizens will want to stay close to home with the hope that they can return to Ukraine at some point. The United States’ efforts will be focused on those that have family ties in the U.S. or have particular protection needs.
Currently, no immediate impact is anticipated apart from a likely uptick in applications for religious minorities traveling under the Lautenberg amendment, a family reunification program, and a potential increase in arrivals under this program.
Catholic Community Services of Utah continues to urge people to aid our Ukrainian brothers and sisters by donating to the efforts of Catholic Relief Services, which is already serving those in need in Ukraine.