(Photo: Reuters)
By Mike Moen
FARGO (Public News Service) – Humanitarian groups warned of a crisis stemming from the escalating war in the Middle East. In a similar plight years in the making, North Dakota volunteers say frustrations have not ended for Ukrainians temporarily allowed to live and work in the state.
Following the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, local sponsors said they are increasingly fearful people who escaped the violence will wind up back in parts of their home country still seeing armed conflict. An estimated 500 adults were allowed to find jobs in North Dakota through sponsors under the federal Uniting for Ukraine program.
Michael Southam, cofounder of the group FM Volunteers for Ukraine, said getting reapproved for humanitarian parole or transitioning to Temporary Protected Status remains difficult.
“The delays are unbelievable in processing for their authorization to stay here lawfully and their work authorizations,” Southam explained.
He pointed out it hinders their ability to earn money while sorting out their situation. The criticisms stretch back to last summer, when the Trump administration resumed re-parole applications. A court order prompted the program to continue after an application freeze the White House enacted when raising fraud concerns and citing other factors.
Southam noted not only are people unable to stay on the job but the new application fees are much higher now, creating additional hardships.
Reports circulated earlier this year people covered by the United for Ukraine program were targeted by ICE agents in Minnesota when their applications fell into limbo. Southam added the fears are felt in North Dakota.
“They’re being very cautious about what they do, where they go, who they’re with – their public activity,” Southam observed.
On a brighter note, Southam stressed some Ukrainians seeing job disruptions feel safe enough to volunteer at local food shelves and similar places. He and other advocates called on the federal government to adopt a blanket two-year extension of the program because it is unsafe for Ukrainians to return home right now.
Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., recommended last fall President Donald Trump provide some reassurances to enrollees.
Comments