In brief
Denys, a Ukrainian immigrant in Spokane, recalls the day he left behind the fear of missile attacks in Kharkiv for a new life in the U.S. under the 'Uniting for Ukraine' program. However, his journey has taken a precarious turn as immigration policies threaten his ability to work legally, leaving him worried about providing for his family. This story highlights the broader struggles faced by many Ukrainian refugees as they grapple with immigration bureaucracy and uncertain futures, all while trying to establish their lives in America.
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — The first time Denys’s children heard fireworks go off in Spokane, Washington, they were terrified. His kids, having grown up near the Russian border in Kharkiv, Ukraine, were all too familiar with the sounds of war.
Following a missile attack on a hospital where his daughter was born, Denys decided to escape. A former neighbor in America contacted him with the option to join 'Uniting for Ukraine,’ a program initiated by President Biden.
After three years in Spokane, Denys has adapted to the local culture, but he faces uncertainty as over 240,000 Ukrainian immigrants wait for immigration approvals and work rights. His job as a welder was abruptly lost after the government failed to renew his work paroles under changing policies initiated by the Trump administration.
Denys expresses concern for his family as he tries to navigate the complex immigration landscape. Programs that once provided a path to stability are now frozen, leaving many like him thrust into a limbo of fear and financial instability.
In Spokane, he finds solace in the community but feels the mounting pressure to provide for his family without risking their safety or legal status. As he waits for government updates on his application, he grapples with the harsh realities of being an immigrant in an uncertain political climate.
With the support of local organizations and a network of fellow Ukrainians, they all face a critical question: what the future holds for them as America’s immigration policies continue to shift.
