Ukrainian Families Arrive in Atlanta

A woman with two children crossing the Slovak-Ukrainian border in Ubla | Peter Lazar/AFP via Getty Images

 

Despite diplomatic efforts, Russia has continued its assault on the people of Ukraine resulting in the creation of more than 4.8 million refugees. Most of these are women and children who have fled to neighboring countries. Now we have the opportunity to help. The United States Government has provided humanitarian refugee relief creating a legal pathway for Ukrainian families to be in the U.S. until the conflict is resolved. Catholic Charities Atlanta is now assisting Ukrainian families arriving in Atlanta. You can help by donating to our designated Ukrainian Resettlement Services fund which helps pay for supportive services and basic needs for up to 3 months while these families transition to the Atlanta area. Please help us welcome these families who have suffered so much by making a gift today.

 

For more information about refugee resources, please see the additional resources provided below.

 

 

Uniting for Ukraine

On April 21, 2022, the United States announced a key step toward fulfilling President Biden’s commitment to welcome Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion. Uniting for Ukraine provides a pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily in a two-year period of parole. Ukrainians participating in Uniting for Ukraine must have a supporter in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their stay in the United States.

For more information on Uniting for Ukraine, see the DHS webpage.

Welcome Connect is a tool for Ukrainians and potential American sponsors to find each other, message back and forth, and make an informed decision about sponsorship. After the connect on Welcome Connect, sponsors and Ukrainians can apply for the Uniting for Ukraine program together.

For more information on becoming a sponsor, please visit Welcome.us

 

 

Temporary Protected Status

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from April 19, 2022, through October 19, 2023. “Russia’s premeditated and unprovoked attack on Ukraine has resulted in an ongoing war, senseless violence, and Ukrainians forced to seek refuge in other countries,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “In these extraordinary times, we will continue to offer our support and protection to Ukrainian nationals in the United States.”

Individuals eligible for TPS under this designation must have continuously resided in the United States since April 11, 2022. Individuals who attempt to travel to the United States after April 11, 2022 will not be eligible for TPS. TPS applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and undergo security and background checks. TPS beneficiaries are not removable from the U.S., can obtain an employment authorization document (EAD) and may be granted travel authorization.

Ukrainian families in the Atlanta area who meet the eligibility date and want to seek Temporary Protective Status and Employment Authorization can contact Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services at 678-222-3920.

 

 

Lautenberg Program

The Lautenberg Program is a family reunification program for citizens in former Soviet Union countries, including Ukraine, who are members of a religious minority group. This can include Jews, Evangelical Christians, Ukrainian Catholics, members of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and Greek Orthodox Church, who have family in the United States.

The Lautenberg Program is a family reunification program through USRAP and is a pathway to citizenship. After one year in the U.S. they are eligible for LPR status. After five years in the U.S. they are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.

To access the program, U.S. citizens, LPRs, asylees, or refugees who want to bring their family members to the U.S. must apply through a resettlement agency. Applications will only be considered if they go through their local resettlement office. Catholic Charities Atlanta is a Georgia resettlement office. To apply, please contact CCA’s Refugee Resettlement Services at refugeeresettlement@ccatlanta.org.

 

Additional Resources

• U.S. Residents in Ukraine
  • Should Georgians need assistance on behalf of eligible family members who are U.S. Citizens and/or Lawful Permanent Residents in Ukraine, please contact Senator John Ossoff’s office requesting casework assistance.
  • U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States and their eligible family members seeking emergency assistance from the State Department should fill out this form.
  • Resources from the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, including emergency assistance information and all latest updates.

• Justice for Immigrants, Ukraine Resource Page

 

A Prayer for Ukraine

From CAFOD

Loving God,
We pray for the people of Ukraine,
for all those suffering or afraid,
that you will be close to them and protect them.

We pray for world leaders,
for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices.

We pray for the world
that in this moment of crisis,
we may reach out in solidarity
to our brothers and sisters in need.

May we walk in your ways
so that peace and justice
become a reality for the people of Ukraine
and for all the world.

Amen.

Our Mission to Welcome Refugees

Catholic Charities Atlanta has been welcoming refugees to the Atlanta area since the 1960’s. The extensive resettlement services we offer are designed to help refugees achieve economic and social self-sufficiency within 6 months of arriving in the United States. This includes greeting families at the airport, finding stable housing and furnishing their apartment, assisting with job placement, enrolling in English language classes, establishing household budgets, enrolling children in school and ensuring families are involved socially and integrating into the community.