Fate of Ukrainian Refugees in the US is Uncertain. Please help!

    Ukrainian war refugees were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the United States after the Russian invasion in 2022. This allows them to live and work in the US for a temporary, but extendable, period of time. Refugee assistance programs have helped them resettle, build new lives here and become contributing members of our communities. In January, Homeland Security extended the TPS for Ukrainians through Oct. 19, 2026. But President Trump is now saying he might revoke the TPS. Approximately 240,000 Ukrainian refugees are at risk of losing their legal status and facing deportation. Their homeland is still a devastated war zone and many have no home to return to. They have built new lives here and many would like permanent residency. The refugee assistance organizations here in Alaska and across the states need your support petitioning Congress to secure the future of our Ukrainian friends and neighbors.

   Here are a couple sample letters suggested by our Anchorage organization New Chance Ukraine Relief Program. You can adapt them to your own voice and state.

 

Template 1

Subject: Support Permanent Status for Ukrainians in Alaska

Dear Senator [Murkowski/Sullivan],

   I’m writing as a concerned Alaskan and a proud member of a community that has welcomed many Ukrainians in recent years. These families have worked hard to rebuild their lives here. They’ve brought strength, resilience, and kindness to our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces.

   I strongly believe they deserve the chance to stay and continue contributing. Please support any efforts to provide permanent status for Ukrainians on humanitarian parole. They are already part of the fabric of our state—and they belong here.

    Thank you for your service to Alaska and for considering this request.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your City], Alaska

  

Template 2

Subject: Please Help My Ukrainian Friends Stay in Alaska

Dear Senator [Murkowski/Sullivan],

   I’m writing on behalf of people I’ve come to know and care about deeply—Ukrainians who came here for safety and have made Alaska their home. They are kind, hard-working, and bring so much strength and hope to our community.

   It breaks my heart to know that their future here is uncertain. They deserve to stay. They’ve already proven how much they contribute and how much they love this state.

   Please support a pathway to permanent status for them. It means everything—not just to them, but to all of us who want to keep Alaska strong, diverse, and compassionate.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[City], Alaska