The United States has a proud tradition of providing refuge to those fleeing persecution, conflict, and disasters. However, the current immigration framework leaves individuals under humanitarian parole in prolonged legal and social limbo, offering no direct pathway to permanent residency (Green Card). This legal gap disproportionately impacts over 848,000 people from countries such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Haiti - individuals who cannot safely return home due to ongoing wars, repression, or humanitarian crises.

We, the undersigned, call on Congress to update immigration laws and create a clear, timely pathway to permanent residency for humanitarian parolees, ensuring they can fully integrate, contribute, and rebuild their lives in the United States.

Current Policy Dynamics and Challenges

In January 2025, the U.S. government paused certain immigration applications, including those from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Haiti, citing fraud prevention and security review measures. This pause has left many humanitarian parolees in a state of uncertainty, unable to advance toward stability or permanent status.

At the same time, programs like Keeping Families Together, which previously offered some undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens a path to legal status, have been terminated. Combined, these developments have worsened the limbo faced by thousands of humanitarian parolees.

A viable legislative solution already exists for one of these affected communities: the Ukrainian Adjustment Act (H.R. 3104), currently introduced in Congress. This bill would allow Ukrainians who entered the U.S. under Uniting for Ukraine to apply for permanent residency after meeting eligibility requirements. Its passage would not only stabilize Ukrainian families but also serve as a model for similar legislation benefiting other parolee populations.

Without such measures, hundreds of thousands remain trapped between humanitarian need and a legal system that offers protection without permanence - limiting their ability to plan for the future, reunite with family, and fully contribute to American society.

Why This Matters Now

Historic Influx Under Humanitarian Parole
Since April 2022, over 240,000 Ukrainians have entered the U.S. through Uniting for Ukraine. In 2021, the U.S. evacuated 70,000 Afghans following the withdrawal from Afghanistan. As of August 2024, humanitarian parole has also brought 214,000 Haitians, 117,000 Venezuelans, 111,000 Cubans, and 96,000 Nicaraguans to safety in the United States. Yet, unlike refugees or asylees, none of these groups have a built-in path to permanent residency.

Economic Contributions

Parolees are already part of the American workforce, paying taxes and filling critical roles. In 2022, immigrants in the U.S. had a combined household income of $2.1 trillion, contributing $382.9 billion in federal taxes and $196.3 billion in state and local taxes - a total of $579.2 billion in tax revenues. Providing a clear status pathway would further increase revenue, encourage home ownership, and strengthen local economies.

Consistency and Fairness

Historically, the U.S. has acted to regularize status for those displaced by global crises - from the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 to post-war programs for Southeast Asian refugees. The Ukrainian Adjustment Act (H.R. 3104) follows this tradition, ensuring parity between Ukrainian parolees and past beneficiaries of similar relief. Its adoption should be the first step toward a uniform policy for all humanitarian parolees.

International Leadership

Allies like Canada have already implemented permanent residency pathways for large-scale humanitarian arrivals. The U.S., as a global leader, must match this standard to preserve its credibility in humanitarian leadership.

Our Proposals

Immediate Passage of the Ukrainian Adjustment Act (H.R. 3104): Enact this bill to provide permanent residency for Ukrainians under U4U, setting a precedent for similar action for other humanitarian parole groups.
Comprehensive Humanitarian Parole Reform: Amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a direct pathway to permanent residency for all parolees after a defined period of residence and compliance with U.S. laws.
Equitable Treatment Across Nationalities: Ensure that all humanitarian parolees - regardless of origin - have equal access to stability and integration opportunities.
Public Engagement: Mobilize U.S. citizens to contact Congress in support of both H.R. 3104 and broader humanitarian parole legislation.

Conclusion

The Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 integrated over 1 million Cubans into American life, transforming them into fully participating members of society. Today, the U.S. has an opportunity - and a responsibility - to do the same for humanitarian parolees.

Passing the Ukrainian Adjustment Act (H.R. 3104) will immediately stabilize tens of thousands of Ukrainian families, while setting a model for comprehensive parole reform. By acting now, Congress can uphold America’s humanitarian commitments, strengthen the economy, and reaffirm the nation’s role as a beacon of hope for those fleeing violence and disaster.

We urge Congress to act now to address this critical issue and uphold the values that define our nation.

Sincerely,

Mariia Yatsko

Advocate

Supporting People fleeing violence and upheavals and Immigrants in the U.S.