The Biden administration announced on Thursday that the U.S. will welcome 100,000 refugees from Ukraine.
More than 3.7 million people have fled the war-torn country since Russia invaded on February 24th. Ukraine’s neighbors, including Poland and Moldova, have struggled to provide housing and other basic humanitarian assistance like food and medicine.
“Not all will be admitted [to the U.S.] through the refugee program or during this fiscal year. A full range of pathways will be utilized, including humanitarian parole and immigrant or nonimmigrant visas,” notes POLITICO.
The outlet adds:
The White House has prioritized Ukrainians seeking reunification with family in the U.S., along with LGBTQ people, journalists, dissidents and activists, three sources familiar with the conversations told POLITICO earlier this week. The administration official also mentioned those with medical needs and third country nationals who have already sought refuge outside of Ukraine in another country as candidates for expedited consideration. Journalists and others in these vulnerable groups have been targeted by Russian forces.
“U.S. officials think that most Ukrainians will choose to remain in Europe, close to family and their homes in Ukraine,” reports NBC News.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, “Europe has really stepped up in a huge way, and it’s the United States that will be coming with additional commitment on both humanitarian assistance and refugees tomorrow.”
Sullivan made his remarks aboard Air Force One. He is accompanying President Biden on a trip Europe. Sullivan said humanitarian assistance will be on the agenda as Biden meets with world leaders in Brussels and Poland.
POLITICO reports:
The Biden administration also announced over $1 billion in new funding towards humanitarian assistance for Ukraine to be distributed in the coming months, along with an additional $320 million in “democracy and human rights funding to Ukraine and its neighbors,” according to a statement. Since Feb. 24, the U.S. has provided more than $123 million to bolster humanitarian efforts in nearby European countries that have welcomed displaced Ukrainians.
