Biden reveals new entry plan for Ukrainian refugees

President Biden announced a new plan, called Unite for Ukraine, that will allow Ukrainian refugees to come directly from Europe to the United States. In March, the President announced the United States would welcome 100,000 Ukrainian refugees, tens of thousands of which have already arrived. “Unite” sets up an official channel for Ukrainians who want to apply to seek refuge in America. 

“This program will be fast, it will be streamlined, and it will ensure the United States honors its commitment to the people of Ukraine and not go through our southern border,” President Biden said when making the announcement. 

Thousands of Ukrainians have tried to enter the United States through the southern border since the war began. They fly to Mexico using tourists visas then wait in encampments near ports of entry for a chance to enter on a one year humanitarian parole. That process can take two to four days.

TIJUANA, MEXICO – APRIL 06: Ukrainians who are seeking asylum in the United States listen to a volunteer providing information at a makeshift encampment near the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

A Department of Homeland Security official said starting Apr. 25, Ukrainians who don’t have a visa or don’t complete the Unite for Ukraine process can be denied entry.

“It will provide for an expedient channel for secure, legal migration from Europe to the United States for Ukrainians who have a US sponsor such as a family or an NGO,” Biden said.  

The DHS official said Title 42 will be enforced for all nationalities, including Ukrainians, until May 23. Title 42 is a health order that allows immigrants to be denied entry at the border because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also opened Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applications for Ukrainians who have continuously lived in the U.S. since Apr. 11, 2022. USCIS estimated 59,600 people are eligible to receive TPS for 18 months. Ukrainians who are outside the U.S. and relocate in the coming weeks will not become eligible.