Ukrainian Refugee Finds Peace and Opportunity in New Jersey, U.S. Sponsorship Program

In June 2022, Lana Rogers successfully used the "Uniting for Ukraine" program to sponsor her sister, Olena Kopchak, and her family's journey from war-torn Ukraine to central New Jersey. This program, created by the Biden administration in April 2022, has facilitated the arrival of over 187,000 Ukrainian refugees in the U.S., providing them with the opportunity to work and rebuild their lives.

Olena Kopchak vividly recalls the terrifying moment when their neighborhood in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, was shelled by the Russian military, shattering their sense of safety and stability. The invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 displaced millions of refugees, predominantly women and children, triggering the largest refugee exodus in Europe since World War II. Amid this chaos, the Kopchak family, like many others, sought solace and safety outside their native country.

Welcoming Ukrainian Refugees

The "Uniting for Ukraine" program has been instrumental in welcoming Ukrainian refugees into American communities, marking a stark departure from the controversies surrounding other immigration policies. Unlike programs for migrants from other countries, the Uniting for Ukraine program has no numerical limit, allowing for swift adjudication of applications and immediate access to legal work upon arrival in the U.S.

While the program has provided a lifeline for many Ukrainian families, challenges remain. Ukrainian refugees residing in the U.S. under humanitarian parole face uncertain futures, with no clear path towards permanent legal status or citizenship. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has left many refugees without a home to return to, prolonging their displacement and uncertainty about their future.

An Uncertain Future

For Olena Kopchak and her family, the journey to the U.S. has provided a new beginning, allowing them to rebuild their lives and find employment. However, the specter of the war in Ukraine continues to cast a shadow over their hopes of returning home. Despite the warm welcome they have received in America, the future remains uncertain for many Ukrainian refugees as they grapple with the lingering effects of war and displacement.