U.S. Senator Padilla Coordinates Help for Ukrainians
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, has been coordinating efforts to work with allies in the Ukraine region to provide refugee and humanitarian assistance, protect Ukrainian nationals in the United States, and impose sanctions. Sen. Padilla’s office has provided a form for affected individuals and families to request humanitarian assistance on a case-by-case basis. Questions about the form can be emailed to casework_padilla@padilla.senate.gov.
State Dept. Clarifies Guidance
The Department of State released information for nationals of Ukraine to “further clarify visa options and outline alternatives to visas that Ukrainians may consider.” The Department noted that “a visa is not a viable way to achieve refugee resettlement in the United States.” The Department also recently released information for U.S. citizens in Ukraine. See “Information for Nationals of Ukraine,” , and “Information for U.S. Citizens in Ukraine,” which includes border-crossing advice.
Lautenberg Amendment Extended
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, an omnibus spending bill passed by Congress and awaiting President Biden’s signature, included an extension of the Lautenberg Amendment, which provides a special refugee category for religious minorities to enable them to resettle in the United States. The amendment was first enacted in 1990 to provide for the resettlement of persecuted Jews from the former Soviet Union, but has expanded to others. It allows certain legal U.S. residents to bring their family members to the United States. Applications must be filed through a local resettlement office.
Contact your WR attorney for advice and help in specific situations.
