Top Ways You Can Help Displaced Ukrainians
While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shocked the world and disrupted stability in many regions, the subsequent atrocities arising from the conflict have become a call to action for lawyers of all backgrounds who possess the skills and resources to aid Ukrainians who have been impacted by the war.
In response to the invasion of Ukraine, the Biden administration announced that Ukrainians who are already in the U.S. and unable to return to their home country due to the military conflict will now be eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status, which will enable them to legally stay and work in the U.S.
According to Reuters, an estimated 75,000 Ukrainians are expected to be eligible for this type of immigration relief, which means that the need for qualified attorneys and other professionals who can guide individuals through the legal process is at an all-time high.
Pro Bono Legal Counsel & Community Support
There are numerous ways attorneys can help during this challenging time, even if they aren’t licensed, immigration lawyers.
Lawyers willing to provide pro bono services to Ukrainians who have been displaced due to the invasion can sign up with Ukrainian Legal Aid, a free database that connects international attorneys with Ukrainian refugees and immigrants in need of legal assistance.
From assisting displaced Ukrainians who are having trouble answering unclear questions to ensuring that everything is properly completed on the Temporary Protected Status form, attorneys with diverse legal backgrounds from all over the world are volunteering with this consortium of international law firms, attorneys, and legal tech providers in order to provide pro bono counsel.
Working with Ukrainians can also present language barriers, especially with refugees who don’t speak English. Additionally, many Ukrainians are unable to access some of the documents that are often required for immigrating into the U.S. because the war has made it virtually impossible to track down and obtain crucial paperwork back home.
Another easy way that attorneys can make a difference for Ukrainians in these situations is to tap into their vast network of connections and peers to find reputable and reliable companies and organizations in their local community that can assist displaced Ukrainians in need of translation and document processing services, employment, shelter, and accommodations when they arrive in the U.S.
Mahatma Gandhi once said that “a nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.” Right now, the hearts and soul...
Raising Awareness About Support for Displaced Ukrainians
The people of Ukraine continue to show immense strength and resilience in the face of an overwhelming threat from one of the world’s most powerful armies. As a federal employment law attorney who proudly represents American veterans who have made great sacrifices fighting evil abroad to protect our freedoms here in the U.S., I am truly inspired by the resilience of the Ukrainian people as they continue to stand together against foreign invaders threatening their independence and way of life.
That is why I firmly believe it is the duty of attorneys worldwide and across all areas of the law to make an effort to raise awareness about the different types of resources and pro bono legal support available to Ukrainians affected by the ongoing war with Russia. By drawing more attention to the various issues impacting displaced Ukrainians, the legal community can show Ukraine and the rest of the world that we care deeply about their ongoing struggle.
How Can I Help Ukraine in Other Ways?
There are many other variants of how to help Ukraine. So, in addition to providing legal services, you can support Ukraine and Ukrainians through:
– Donating money to Ukraine charity organizations (The Return Alive Foundation, Nova Ukraine humanitarian aid).
– Assisting with delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine through your local communities.
– Contributing to sharing trustworthy news and information from reliable media. The world needs to know the truth.
If you want to learn more about helping Ukraine, check Lawrina’s article.
