Support Ukraine

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Uniting for Ukraine?

  According to the Department of Homeland Security, Uniting for Ukraine is “a streamlined process for Ukrainian citizens who have been displaced by Russia’s aggression to apply for humanitarian parole in the United States.”

  To qualify for the program, Ukrainians must have a sponsor in the United States—an individual or organization that officially agrees to take on financial responsibility for the individual or family.

• Who can be a supporter/sponsor?

  Individuals in the U.S. who are interested in becoming a supporter must be in lawful status in the United States or a parolee or beneficiary of deferred action or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and willing and able to receive, maintain, and support the beneficiary listed in the Supporter Declaration Form I-134.

• What does it mean to be a sponsor or supporter for a Ukrainian family?

  Sponsors must apply and be approved by the Department of Homeland Security. It’s important to note that sponsorship is a major commitment. Sponsors are responsible for financially supporting the Ukrainian neighbors they welcome and assisting them in integrating into the community.

  Sponsors’ responsibilities include: providing basic needs such as food, furniture, hygiene products, and clothing, finding and financing safe, appropriate housing for the individual or family, providing and financing mental and physical healthcare services ensuring children are enrolled in school and adults are connected to English language-learning resources, assisting adults in securing work authorization and employment.

  Sponsors must commit to financially supporting individuals and families for the duration of their parole status (up to two years). Learn more on the official Uniting for Ukraine site.

• What is humanitarian parole?

  Humanitarian parole is an emergency provision that allows people in desperate need of safety to enter the United States without a visa. It is a temporary program that grants residency for 1-2 years and does not offer a pathway to citizenship.

  While those who enter the U.S. through humanitarian parole are not typically eligible for the traditional benefits of the refugee resettlement system, including federally funded case management and employment services, a supplemental passed by Congress will allow newly arrived Ukrainians to be eligible for these benefits.

• Who qualifies for humanitarian parole?

  Ukraine citizens and their eligible immediate family members who are outside of the U.S.

• I have family or friends in Ukraine. How do I sign up?

  If you/your group have done your research and are ready to make the full financial commitment of sponsorship, you can begin the process by visiting the USCIS Uniting for Ukraine page.

• I don’t know anyone in Ukraine, but I want to help. What can I do?

  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please visit the USCIS Uniting for Ukraine page.

  Global Refuge offers many other ways to support our Ukrainian neighbors, including financial support, advocacy, volunteer opportunities, and Stand Up, Speak Up, our annual interfaith mobilization program supporting refugees and immigrants. See more on this Action Hub!

• I am Ukrainian and am looking for a sponsor. What do I do?

  Information on eligibility for the Uniting for Ukraine program can be found on the USCIS Uniting for Ukraine page.

• What is Global Refuge doing to help?

  The Global Refuge network has already welcomed hundreds of Ukrainians in need of immediate support, and we anticipate that those needs will only grow.

  We need your support to continue to build and bolster our existing programs to better serve Ukrainians, including Welcome Centers, our mental health program, and New American Cities.