The US Has Admitted Tens of Thousands of Ukrainian Refugees. What’s Next?

World current political situation captured the attention of Americans for several weeks in February 2022. While the overall feeling of support hasn’t waned, the attention and national press have shifted to other stories, including the various sporting events. 

Despite the spotlight not focusing solely on the war, the humanitarian efforts and refugee programs have not stopped. CBS reported that the U.S. announced they will allow up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees into the country.

Where do all of these refugees go? What do we do with refugees in general? How are they treated, and what does their future look like? 

The story is different for every refugee, but here are some common situations.

Where Do They Go?

Historically, refugees have mostly been sent to Texas, California, and New York. Largely, this is because of the impact that refugees can make on a community. While generally positively welcomed, a surge of refugees in a small state or city can impact a local economy and cause more issues than solutions. 

There is very little specific data about where individual refugee groups are being sent, but with so many admitted, it is hard to imagine that they are all being sent to only two or three large cities. 

Even in a large city like New York, adding 50,000 people over the course of only a few months can really affect how things run. With such a large amount coming, it’s possible that refugees can be found all around the country.

Rights of a Refugee

A common question is, what rights do refugees have? The short answer is that any refugee who comes to the United States is treated the same as anyone else here, with the exception of not being able to vote or run for public office. This is until they apply and become a citizen of naturalization after five years of living in the country.

This means that a refugee can be eligible to receive government support such as SNAP and Medicaid, and qualify for loans and grants. Refugees also have the same rights that all American citizens are awarded in the Bill of Rights, such as the right to assemble, have a speedy trial, and not be face discrimination. They can hire attorneys and work out any legal issues that may come up with their status as a refugee.

Refugees are allowed to rent or own homes, have jobs, and take advantage of any school program they want for their children. Long story short, refugees are allowed to live as American citizens, except for a few specific situations.

Do Refugees Have to Return Home?

The short answer to this question is no. As mentioned above, after five years, they can apply for citizenship. However, in the case of Ukraine, refugees come to the U.S. out of desperation for safety, not because they want to escape their old lives or country. It also appears that the war will end, meaning their old lifestyles would return.

Many refugees, particularly in the situation of the Ukraine War, will likely return home as soon as they feel safe to do so. After all, for most of them, they are living in a country where they are unfamiliar with the culture, language, and overall way of living. While some came with family, most are displaced from extended family and friends.

Others, however, and a majority of other refugees from other countries who may never have a real home to return to, see the opportunity to come to the U.S. as a chance at a new life.

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