I am extremely concerned about the current uncertainty confronting the roughly 240,000 Ukrainian refugees who lawfully entered our nation through the Uniting for Ukraine program, since I have personally welcomed two Ukrainian families fleeing conflict. It appears that the Ukrainian refugee crisis has been neglected in favor of several domestic problems and political diversion. However, these families sought refuge from a catastrophic battle that has killed hundreds of thousands of people by going through the proper routes with American sponsors.
Families already present are facing a humanitarian crisis as a result of the Trump administration’s suspension of the Uniting for Ukraine program, which began on January 27, 2025. Families are unable to renew work permits since immigration benefits processing has been halted, and those who want to extend their humanitarian parole status are unable to do so. Although Ukraine’s Temporary Protected Status has been extended through October 2026, only individuals who arrived prior to August 16, 2023, are eligible for it, and many are unable to do so because of processing blocks.
The Ukrainian families that I have hosted have grown to be important members of the community. In the hopes of returning to a peaceful country, they work, pay taxes, send their kids to our schools, and support our economy. However, they constantly worry about their legal situation and whether they would have to go back to a conflict area.
Given that his family left Cuba, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is undoubtedly aware of the despair that compels people to flee oppression. In times of distress, his family found refuge in America. The same American ideals of liberty and opportunity that embraced the Rubio family decades ago are embodied by these Ukrainian refugees.
We don’t intend to harm them, President Trump recently said. Ukrainians, in particular, have endured a lot. This attitude needs to be reflected in actual policy. These refugees were accepted through legitimate U.S. programs and subjected to government screening; they did not enter the country illegally. It would be against our humanitarian principles and damage America’s reputation as a beacon of freedom to force them to return to Ukraine while the nation is still being attacked.
Like thousands of other families, the families I’ve hosted are in a state of uncertainty. They arrived lawfully, complied with all regulations, and are now starting over in the hopes of finding peace in their native country. They should be shielded from being compelled to return to danger and given clarity over their future.
I implore the administration to continue processing immigration benefits, give clear instructions regarding the status of present Ukrainian refugees, and make sure these families may stay safe until it is safe to go back home. America has long served as a haven for those escaping oppression. To the Ukrainian families who have already strengthened our communities, we must keep that promise.
I hope Rubio keeps in mind his own family’s struggle for independence as he thinks about policy toward Ukrainian refugees. Today’s Ukrainian families should be given the same opportunity that his family was given to start over safely while their country recovers from the devastation caused by war.
Two Ukrainian family have been welcomed by Arlene Marcus of Fort Lauderdale.
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