Chicago City Wire

U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL), Bill Keating (D-MA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) introduced the Ukrainian Adjustment Act, to bring stability to the lives of Ukrainians who reside in the U.S. on humanitarian parole.

Following Russia’s illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Biden Administration established the Uniting for Ukraine program which has provided a vital pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members to temporarily reside and seek safety in the United States. Since February 2022, 271,000 Ukrainians have entered the U.S. - with over 117,000 having been admitted specifically under the Uniting for Ukraine program.

Given the prolonged nature of the conflict, those Ukrainians who have entered the U.S. remain under threat and are unable to return to their homes. The Ukrainian Adjustment Act would provide those Ukrainians who have been paroled into the U.S. since 2014 with permanent residency status, allowing them to work, contribute to society, and maintain a stable life in the U.S. until they are able to return home.

“The Ukrainian Adjustment Act builds on our work to aid Ukrainian refugees. These individuals have fled their homes and their families in the hopes of maintaining their freedom. They need our support and the chance to begin building a new life here in America,” said Congressman Quigley. “Let this serve as a reminder that Ukrainian refugees are not the only group in need of permanent status. Those who aided our efforts in Afghanistan and have since fled are still waiting nearly two years after the withdrawal. Ukrainian and Afghan refugees have overcome immeasurable odds and devastation—they both deserve our help.”

“As many Ukrainians fled the terror of Russia’s attacks, the US provided a safe haven for them,” said Congressman Keating. “And part of that safe haven must be the stability and assurance that they will be able to reside in this country legally, without fear of deportation, until they are ready to return home. This is achieved through the Ukrainian Adjustment Act by providing Ukrainians in the U.S. with permanent residency status.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill passed in the House and Senate and on the President’s desk for signature.

“I am proud that the United States has provided a home for Ukrainians who have sought refuge from the brutalities of Putin’s unprovoked invasion and occupation,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Those who flee to our nation must be allowed to reside in the United States legally until it is safe to return to Ukraine. Our bipartisan Ukrainian Adjustment Act would provide safe haven for tens of thousands of Ukrainian families living and working in the United States. I am grateful to my colleagues for their partnership on this important effort and look forward to continuing to fight for the end of the Russian-instigated conflict.” 

 “Since the outbreak of the war, many Ukrainians have faced the difficult decision to leave their homes and the life they knew, which has been upended by the callous and cruel war thrust upon them by Vladimir Putin. For those looking to come to the U.S. for safety and a chance to live in freedom, Americans should afford them true hospitality,” said Congresswoman Kaptur. “The Ukrainian Adjustment Act will bring stability to the lives of Ukrainians who reside in the U.S. on humanitarian grounds and ensure they can seek refuge here without fear over their temporary immigration status being revoked. As we continue to support Ukrainians in their fight for Liberty in their land, so should we support those who will make their home in our country while that same war continues to rage. I urge my colleagues to support this vital legislation to allow qualified Ukrainian refugees to apply for permanent residency status, which allows them to work, contribute to society, and maintain a stable life in the U.S. until they are able to safely return home." 

In February 2022, Congressman Quigley led over 100 Members in a letter to Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging his action to protect displaced Ukrainians. The Biden Administration subsequently announced the Uniting for Ukraine program, which has admitted hundreds of thousands of individuals into the U.S.

The Ukrainian Adjustment Act is modeled on the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would provide eligible Afghan nationals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan with a similar permanent residence status.

Original source can be found here.