SC Alaska News

Following the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski has announced her support for a new bill aimed at aiding Ukrainians currently in the United States. She joins U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin as a cosponsor of the Protecting Our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act. This legislation proposes temporary guest status for Ukrainians and their immediate family members who arrived through the "Uniting for Ukraine" parole process.

The bill permits these individuals to stay and work in the U.S. until it is deemed safe for them to return by the Secretary of State. Other cosponsors include Senators Tammy Duckworth, Richard Blumenthal, Jacky Rosen, Chris Van Hollen, Peter Welch, Amy Klobuchar, Michael Bennet, Alex Padilla, and Sheldon Whitehouse.

Senator Murkowski emphasized her personal encounters with Ukrainians in Alaska: "I have had the opportunity to visit with many Ukrainians who fled Russia’s unprovoked war who have found safety and community in Alaska." She further stated that granting temporary guest status aligns with providing refuge amid ongoing conflict.

Senator Durbin highlighted bipartisan efforts: "Three years ago, Putin began his brutal, criminal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine—which remains on the frontlines of democracy and transatlantic security." He noted that both parties urged President Biden to protect these individuals from deportation.

Those covered by this bill have already been vetted to ensure no criminal or public safety risks are present. The Department of Homeland Security would retain authority to revoke this status if concerns arise about any individual.

Organizations endorsing this legislation include Refugee Council USA, HIAS, World Relief, Human Rights First, and others committed to refugee assistance and human rights advocacy.