On April 21, 2022, President Biden announced Uniting for Ukraine, a new streamlined process to provide Ukrainian citizens who have been displaced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine opportunities to come to the United States.
Uniting for Ukraine provides a pathway for displaced Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily for up to two years. Ukrainians participating in Uniting for Ukraine must have an individual U.S.-based supporter in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their stay in the United States. This financial supporter must be a U.S.-based individual, including representatives of non-governmental organizations.
The first step in the Uniting for Ukraine process is for the U.S.-based supporter to file a Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, with USCIS. The supporter will then be vetted by the U.S. government to protect against exploitation and abuse, and ensure that they are able to financially support the individual(s) whom they agree to support. Ukrainians who present at U.S. land ports of entry without a valid visa or without pre-authorization to travel to the United States through Uniting for Ukraine may be denied entry and referred to apply through this program.
For more information on how to apply, please contact your GGW attorney or to review eligibility requirements, and you can also review what to expect after the Form I-134 is filed, by visiting USCIS and the State Department.