Following Announcement of Uniting for Ukraine program, nearly 70 organizations sign on to historic effort to support people fleeing Ukraine
NEW YORK — Today, Upwardly Global joined Welcome.US in an initiative to mobilize 100,000 Americans to sponsor people fleeing the Ukraine war and make it possible for them to safely transition to a new life in the United States. This follows the Biden Administration’s announcement allowing people fleeing Ukraine eligibility for humanitarian parole in the U.S. through a sponsor starting Monday, April 25, 2022.
The program will provide an expedited solution to vulnerable populations fleeing the conflict in Ukraine who otherwise may have faced a years-long wait for entry into the traditional refugee admissions program, which include visas sponsored by family members or employers.
“Upwardly Global is thrilled to be partnering with Welcome.US and its coalition to help quickly bring vulnerable Ukrainians into the U.S.,” said Jina Krause-Vilmar, President and CEO of Upwardly Global. “We will play a vital role in ensuring access to skill-aligned employment for Ukrainian newcomers that recognizes that 60% of Ukrainian women are college-educated. Our aim is to ensure they can unleash their potential in their new home when they are ready.”
To mobilize 100,000 Americans as sponsors, Welcome.US is partnering with a diverse coalition of public leaders and over 70 organizations. In addition to Upwardly Global, the coalition includes Ukrainian American community organizations, resettlement agencies, service organizations, and other nongovernmental organizations with a long tradition of supporting newcomers.
Upwardly Global and Welcome.US are calling on Americans to step up as “Welcomers” by taking five key actions to help Ukrainians right now:
- Learn more about directly sponsoring people fleeing the war in Ukraine and seeking refuge at ukraine.welcome.us.
- Be a Welcomer by signing up to get updates and connecting to volunteer opportunities and other ways to show your support.
- Offer to temporarily open your home to newcomers through Airbnb.org. You can also donate to Airbnb.org to help cover the costs of temporary housing for newcomers.
- Donate airline miles through Miles4Migrants so newcomers seeking refuge can access a free flight to their new home.
“The last year has given us countless examples of the crisis and pain felt by those forced to leave their homes and the great capacity Americans have to help,” said Nazanin Ash, CEO of Welcome.US. We, along with so many Americans, welcome the opportunity to help provide refuge to those fleeing Ukraine. Now, with today’s announcement that people fleeing Ukraine can find safety in the United States with the support of a sponsor, we are eager to help mobilize and support the many Americans who want to do more for Ukrainians and others seeking refuge.”
See the full list of partnering organizations and public leaders here.
Make a donation to our Haven Fund, which provides relief to newcomers rebuilding their lives in our country.
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About Welcome.US
Welcome.US was founded to unite, inspire, and empower Americans to support those seeking refuge here, beginning with Afghan refugees evacuated to the United States after the fall of Kabul in August 2021.