The United States will take in up to 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing violence and attacks on their country following the Russian invasion. This plan will be announced when President Joe Biden meets with allies in Brussels as part of broader efforts with NATO and European Union partners to continue their coordinated response to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
Washington's priority is for those Ukrainians "who have relatives in the United States," an unnamed U.S. official told reporters during a press briefing today.
The White House did not identify a specific timeframe for these refugees and immigrants to move to the United States, but the process of obtaining asylum in the country can take years. The United States will focus part of its efforts on "protecting the most vulnerable refugees," such as people belonging to the LGBTTTIQ+ community, those with medical needs, and journalists.
Washington has already said it will expedite visa processing for family members of U.S. citizens or residents and increase staffing on humanitarian applications that allow urgent entry for people without visas.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months.
It is stated that "Russia's premeditated and unprovoked attack on Ukraine has led to continued war, senseless violence and Ukrainians being forced to seek refuge in other countries."
Those who qualify for Temporary Protected Status will be able to live in the United States without fear of deportation or persecution.
Applicants must meet certain requirements, such as continuous residency as of March 1, 2022 and a background check, before they can receive this status from the government.
Non-U.S. citizens traveling here after March 1, 2022 are not eligible for this protected status because it is a temporary designation that only lasts 18 months at most (unless renewed). The Federal Register will provide instructions on how to apply for Temporary Protected Status with an Employment Authorization Document if applicants meet all eligibility requirements.
