Pushing for permanent solutions for vulnerable Ukrainians and others
B Stands for Blue & Yellow
Three weeks ago, Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded Ukraine. In that time, approximately three million people have fled the country, according to the U.N., creating the fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.
The international community has rallied around the need to support the Ukrainian people during their struggle against the attacks of the Russian forces. Landmarks around the globe, from the Eiffel Tower to the Sydney Opera House to the Empire State Building, have lit up in blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag. But more importantly, countries are welcoming Ukrainian refugees and assisting Ukrainians already within their borders. Most of those fleeing have remained in Europe, with Poland accepting 1.8 million refugees so far.
Although the U.S. is not experiencing the same surge as some European nations, we have a duty to provide protection to those fleeing violence and oppression. The Biden administration has granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to the estimated 30,000 Ukrainians already here. This designation comes after lawmakers and advocacy groups, including the Forum’s Council on National Security and Immigration, urged the administration to take action.
There is broad public support for admitting Ukrainian refugees. Nearly seven-in-ten Americans are supportive, according to the Pew Research Center. Yet, the reality is that the U.S. refugee resettlement process would take years to complete. Ukrainians abroad trying to apply for U.S. visas will face long wait times and a backlog of applications. Therefore, the National Immigration Forum is urging the Biden administration to continue to rebuild our refugee
resettlement infrastructure and welcome vulnerable refugees from Ukraine and other nations.
The outpouring of support for vulnerable Ukrainians is encouraging. Let’s build upon this momentum to fix America’s broken immigration system and be a beacon of hope for all those seeking protection across the globe. Yesterday, Afghans already in the country were granted TPS, allowing them to live and work legally in the U.S. for 18 months. Although this is a positive step toward helping our Afghan allies, it is not a permanent solution. We must continue to push for an Afghan Adjustment Act.
This week also marks 11 years since the Syrian uprising, which rapidly escalated into an ongoing war after the Assad regime responded with a violent crackdown. Oula Alrifai, Assistant Vice President of Field & Constituencies, reflects on her experience as a former political asylee from Syria and the tragic parallels to what is now happening in Ukraine in a
powerful blog post. Let’s heed her words:
"‘We the people’ are the hope of the oppressed, in Syria and everywhere. Syrians, Ukrainians, Afghans – all refugees and immigrants, regardless of their country of origin, deserve to be met with welcome, compassion, and support."
There’s always more to be done on behalf of our immigrant community and vulnerable refugees. I hope you’ll continue to join the National Immigration Forum in pushing for just, compassionate and strategic immigration policies that benefit us all.
Stay healthy and hopeful,
Adam Estle
Vice President of Field and Constituencies
National Immigration Forum
P.S. In case you missed it, the Forum recently announced the launch of the Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus, a new coalition formed by business, faith, education, national security, and advocacy organizations to advance bipartisan legislative solutions on immigration reforms. Join us by adding your name as a supporter and telling Congress to support meaningful immigration reform!
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