Biden announced last week a new system that allows Ukrainian refugees to enter the United States for humanitarian purposes. They require a sponsor within the US to be eligible. The program, called “United for Ukraine”, will provide an improved process for Ukrainian refugees seeking to come to the United States. Ukrainian applicants will have to undergo strict safety and security checks, including CV and biometric checks, as well as full vaccinations and other public health requirements, including receiving the Covid-19 vaccine, to be eligible. Ukrainians must also have resided in Ukraine since 11 February. Sponsors will have to go through their own security checks as well as declare financial support. There is no limit to the number of people that can be donated by an individual or group, but officials noted that they will evaluate their means and ability to support Ukrainians. The Ministry of Homeland Security will manage the program. Individuals could start applying through an online portal on April 25th. The limited routes to the US so far have resulted in hundreds of Ukrainians going to Mexico, where it is easier to obtain a visa, to then try to enter the US through land ports of entry. More than 5,000 Ukrainians attempted to enter the United States in March, including more than 3,200 on the southern border with Mexico, according to the US Customs and Border Protection. The move comes almost a month after Biden pledged to admit to up to 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion and is designed to make Ukrainians more interested in coming to the United States. Biden noted the system when discussing Ukrainians trying to enter the United States through the southern border. “Meanwhile, at the southern border, we are trying to work and make sure there is a regular process and they will be able to get in,” he said. “But just so you know, we’ve said you do not have to go to the southern border. Fly directly to the United States, we’ve created a mechanism by which they can come directly with a visa.” CNN’s Arlette Saenz, Priscilla Alvarez and Kate Sullivan contributed to this report.
