The Biliaze family fled war in Ukraine and found safety in Watertown, South Dakota — a rural community that values hard work and family. They’ve spent nearly two years working, raising their children, and rebuilding their lives. Now they’ve been told they must leave the U.S. We are asking our elected leaders, and immigration officials to let them stay.

Imagine escaping bombs and bloodshed, starting over from nothing, and doing everything right—only to be told you have to leave. That’s the heartbreaking reality facing the Biliaze family, Ukrainian war refugees who came to the United States seeking asylum. Since arriving in Watertown, South Dakota, they’ve become part of the fabric of the Watertown community. The parents are working, learning English, and contributing. Their children are in school, speaking fluent English, and thriving. They’ve followed all the rules, complied with immigration, and lived openly and honestly.

But now, their asylum case has been denied. The Biliaze family has been told they must leave the country and return to the war they fled.

This is not who we are as Americans. Watertown, South Dakota, is a place where community and compassion run deep. Churches, neighbors, and individual members of our town have poured their hearts into helping the Biliaze family start over. Deporting them doesn’t just harm the family; it deeply affects everyone who has supported them.

We call on our elected leaders to help keep them safe and together. We also urge the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and USCIS to reconsider their case and provide humanitarian relief.

Please sign and share this petition to let the Biliaze family remain in the U.S. Let’s show the best of who we are.

Here is a news article if you'd like to know more about the situation.   https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/07/18/local-ukrainian-family-denied-asylum-told-leave-us/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR75Zlj70LideGJqi0IoCfZVJmxikMGg-lJOmEm6lN19O8w43cKWA6uvvRCTXA_aem_qrad9-IIsLOJmnn8-BrIKA