The Crisis in Ukraine
I’ve been receiving questions about refugees from Ukraine since the Russian invasion on February 24. Here is what I can share at this time:
The Refugee Situation: As of 3/10, over 2.2 million Ukrainians (more than 5% of the population) have fled the country, seeking safety from the violence of the Russian invasion. Most of them have gone to Poland, where over 20 camps have been set up by Polish authorities and relief organizations. Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania are also receiving refugees from Ukraine. The UN estimates an additional 2-3 million could become refugees before the war is over.
Internal displacement is also a major humanitarian crisis, with millions already forced from their homes and communities but remaining within the borders – by choice or by circumstances. Reports indicate that foreign nationals (students and migrant laborers, for example) are particularly vulnerable, as Ukrainian officials seem unable or unwilling to evacuate them for various reasons. Men, ages 18-60 (with some exceptions), are barred from leaving at this time and are being conscripted into military service in defense of the country. As such, the vast majority of refugees are women and children. Recent reports indicate many adults fleeing with children are returning to the fight, leaving their children in the safety of others. About half of the refugees are children. The EU is working together with volunteers on the ground to provide for the special needs of those in their care. Many denominations have disaster response programs and likely provide a way for you to support the humanitarian effort through financial gifts.
The U.S. Response: Emergency Temporary Protection Status (TPS) has been granted for the 30,000+ Ukrainian nationals currently living and studying in the US. This means that those who arrived before March 1 are allowed to stay beyond the terms of their visa while TPS remains in place (set for 18 months). This is a very good thing. We have seen some governors declare their state’s welcome of Ukrainian refugees amidst this crisis, but the Biden administration has ruled out an evacuation such as the operation in Afghanistan. For now, the European Union and United Nations are leading the response.
Because Ukraine is not a part of the EU, Ukrainians wishing to travel to the US (to stay temporarily or seek asylum) are required to have a B-1/B-2 visa. The application process is complicated by several requirements, including a personal interview with an American consulate and assurances that the applicant will stay no longer than 6 months. Those two requirements alone make this exceedingly difficult, despite the US consulates expediting the process. Unsurprisingly, in the last few months, thousands of Ukrainians and Russian dissidents have circumvented this requirement by traveling into Mexico and crossing the southern border without permission, then turning themselves in at Border Patrol to apply for asylum.
The United States has been resettling refugees from Ukraine for many years – most recently for the purpose of family reunification – so it is possible that those fleeing the current crisis may end up being resettled here in the future. I am reminded by our agency partners, however, that in addition to being a lengthy international process (1-2 years at minimum), refugee resettlement is also a last resort. Those who have fled to safety are not giving up on Ukraine and hope to return to their homes when the war ends. Let us pray it is sooner than later.
The Bigger Picture: We began this program at WCC to help churches respond to the uniquely challenging crisis of Afghan evacuees at Fort McCoy and resettlement communities here in Wisconsin. It doesn’t take long in these conversations, however, to realize how much the plight of Afghan refugees are connected to the plight of all refugees. What we are witnessing in Ukraine and what we have witnessed with Afghan evacuees is part of a global crisis, and those individuals and families are all connected and share the unfortunate identity of displaced persons. I will write more in next week’s newsletter about the global state of forced displacement and resettlement efforts in the US. For now, I remind our readers that perhaps the best way to help those fleeing Ukraine is to help those in the line in front of them. Continue to support refugee relief and resettlement in whatever form you are able. Every refugee served today will advance the path for those waiting to be served.
Thank you all for your care and attention to those whose lives are being upended by the brokenness and violence of this world. Let us pray: Holy One, be a place of refuge and source of strength to all who are displaced. Send the aid of your people to those in need of safety, food, water, and protection. Empower the leaders of nations to stand up for peace and justice, and to find creative and lifegiving solutions to the violent threats and actions of others. Forgive us for all the ways we fail to love our neighbors and our enemies. Lead us by your Spirit and by the example of Jesus, that we may live and serve in the way of peace and hope. In Christ’s blessed name and for the future you have promised, amen.
Rev. Peder Johanson
Volunteer Coordinator, Afghan Refugee Response
Wisconsin Council of Churches
