In brief
Denys, a Ukrainian immigrant in Spokane, illustrates the struggles faced by many refugees as they navigate precarious immigration statuses. After escaping the war in Ukraine, he finds himself without work and relying on charity due to a government freeze on work authorization renewals impacting many Ukrainians. This situation reflects broader immigration policy challenges affecting numerous immigrants across various communities.
SPOKANE, Wash. — Denys and his children were traumatized when they first heard fireworks in Spokane, thinking they were sounds of war reminiscent of their home in Kharkiv, Ukraine, near the Russian border. After the hospital where his newborn daughter was treated was attacked, Denys sought safety through the Uniting for Ukraine program, allowing him and many others to immigrate under the Biden administration's humanitarian parole initiative.
However, the situation took a turn in June when Denys lost his job due to a halt in work authorization renewals, a consequence of shifting governmental immigration policies. The Uniting for Ukraine program, which allowed many to find temporary refuge, is now embroiled in bureaucracy. He expressed deep concern for his family’s wellbeing as he struggles to put food on the table for his three children.
The program initially enabled Ukrainians to live and work in the U.S. for renewable two-year periods, provided they had an American sponsor. Yet, with the opposition under the Trump administration targeting such humanitarian parole programs, many immigrants find themselves in limbo.
Denys's story is echoed by many in Spokane, where an influx of nearly 3,000 Ukrainians arrived following the Russian invasion. Despite contributing positively to the economy — working in various sectors, from health care to manufacturing — they now face uncertainty regarding their residency and job security.
The situation escalated when Venezuelan immigrants also found themselves caught in similar bureaucratic challenges, leading to protests and public outcry against the treatment of vulnerable migrant populations.
Spokane has a long history of Ukrainian immigration, and with the recent influx after the invasion, it has become a microcosm of the larger immigration debates facing the U.S. While many work hard to establish their new lives, they now must navigate a system that feels increasingly hostile and unpredictable.
As Denys reflected on his hopes and aspirations in the U.S., he stated, “I love this country. Just give me a chance to work.” His voice represents many immigrants caught between their dreams and the stark realities imposed by fluctuating immigration policies.
