U.S. halts refugee program for Ukrainians following audit directive
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has suspended the processing of applications under the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) programme for Ukrainian refugees. This decision is linked to an executive order dated 20 January 2025.
USCIS announced it is stopping the acceptance of Form I-134A, an online support application. However, it emphasised that the agency will review all applications that have already been submitted.
The Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) programme allows Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members to come to the United States and reside temporarily in the country for two years. Under the U4U programme, Ukrainian citizens must have a sponsor in the USA, who agrees to provide financial support during their stay.
Authorised agencies verify the sponsor to ensure they can financially support the individual during their stay in the United States.
Suspension of USAID projects
It should be noted that the USAID office, an American government agency responsible for providing aid to countries recovering from natural disasters, combating poverty, and implementing democratic reforms, in Ukraine has been instructed to suspend all projects and expenditures at the direction of the U.S. Department of State. The suspension will last for three months to allow for an audit of aid programmes.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued an order to suspend temporary immigration programmes. This decision will impact Ukrainians, Cubans, Venezuelans, and others.
Source: UNN.UA
