In brief
Denys, a Ukrainian immigrant in Spokane, reflects on his journey and the hardships faced by over 240,000 newcomers under the 'Uniting for Ukraine' program. With recent job losses linked to the halt of work authorization renewals, many Ukrainian refugees are left in a state of uncertainty, caught between their aspirations for a better life in America and deteriorating governmental support. As courts grapple with conflicting rulings on immigration, the plight of these families intensifies, demanding urgent attention to their needs.
SPOKANE, Wash. — Denys's children, once familiar with the fear of Russian air raids in Kharkiv, Ukraine, now found themselves terrified by fireworks in Spokane, their new home where explosions symbolize celebration instead of terror.
After a missile hit the hospital where his youngest daughter was born, Denys realized that staying in Ukraine wasn't an option. A neighbor in the U.S. contacted him, suggesting that he apply for the 'Uniting for Ukraine' program. “If you want to come, grab your family and move,” Denys recalls.
Since relocating to Spokane, he adapted quickly, learning English and finding work as a welder at Metals Fabrication Co. But like many of the 240,000 Ukrainians who have immigrated through the program, his status in the U.S. has become precarious.
Launched by former President Biden in 2022, the program allows Ukrainian immigrants to stay and work in the U.S. for two years under humanitarian parole, provided they have American sponsors. However, Denys lost his job this June due to the government's failure to renew his work authorization, a critical issue that is affecting many refugees.
“I’m worried about my family. I need to buy food. I have three kids,” Denys expressed, highlighting the dire circumstances many Ukrainian families are facing.
Under Trump’s administration, immigration policies shifted, targeting humanitarian parole programs and halting renewals. Recently, many Ukrainians began noticing arrests of fellow immigrants, with two Venezuelans detained despite having applied for asylum.
While most Ukrainians benefit from a lack of racial profiling or hatred, uncertainty looms large. Without active work permits, many face ethical dilemmas — to work illegally or abide by the law while struggling to support their families.
Spokane's history of Ukrainian immigration has seen an influx of almost 3,000 newcomers since the Russian invasion. Some have managed to reapply successfully for the Uniting for Ukraine program, while others, including Denys, find themselves sidelined.
As local advocacy continues and some file for asylum to regain work authorization, the deepening uncertainty about immigration policy remains a critical issue, emphasizing a desperate battle for stability among these resilient families.
Denys longs for a resolution: “I love this country. Just give me a chance to work.”
