Dear Friend,
Like you, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) has been following the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine closely and our hearts are with the people of Ukraine during this difficult time. As an organization dedicated to ensuring that refugees and immigrants are able to live full, dignified lives, we are heartbroken by what is happening in Ukraine and the refugees escaping into neighboring countries. So far, that is more than a million people.
USCRI was one of the first organizations to call on the Biden administration to immediately designate Temporary Protection Status (TPS) for the people of Ukraine. Last Friday, USCRI and partner organizations circulated a letter to other non-governmental organizations. This letter was eventually signed by 177 organizations. It urged the Biden Administration to designate TPS, which will provide work permits and protection from deportation for Ukrainian noncitizens in the U.S. who cannot be safely returned to Ukraine at this time.
We are pleased that the Department of Homeland Security just announced an 18-month TPS designation for around 75,000 Ukrainians in the U.S. We applaud the Administration for acting quickly to protect Ukrainians in the U.S. from facing deportation and providing them with work permits.
Although USCRI is not involved in evacuations, we stand ready to assist any Ukrainian refugees – and all refugees – that do come to the U.S. Your support helps us continue to advocate for the rights of refugees and immigrants fleeing violence and persecution. That’s been our mission for over 110 years – and with your help, we will continue to do just that.
|