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.
- The first step in the Uniting for Ukraine process is for the U.S.-based supporter to file a Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, with USCIS.
- The U.S. government will then vet the supporter to ensure that they are able to financially support the individual whom they agree to support.
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Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown continues to accept financial contributions to assist the people of Ukraine. 
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Uniting for Ukraine is a streamlined process that allows for Ukrainian citizens who have been displaced by Russia’s aggression to apply for humanitarian parole in the United States.
Sponsors can be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or other lawfully present individuals. This includes individuals on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and refugees. Groups of sponsors, nonprofits, educational institutions, and employers can also help sponsor people fleeing Ukraine. So far this year, more than 70,000 Americans have applied to become a sponsor.
If you are already connected to a Ukrainian individual or family, please use this link for information on becoming a sponsor.
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According to the USCCB, the Uniting for Ukraine program will need an additional 30,000 to 40,000 American households to register as sponsors in the months to come.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, but are not currently connected to a Ukrainian individual or family, learn more about how you may be able to connect with someone in need in order to become their sponsor by visiting the WELCOME CONNECT resource page below.
*The responsibility for making a “connection” will fall upon the Ukrainian beneficiary. It must be their final decision to connect.
