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Global Cleveland urges federal government to assist in preparation for arrival of Ukrainian refugees in Northeast Ohio

The organization is requesting for the federal government to direct $20 million to Northeast Ohio in order to help Ukrainian refugees.

CLEVELAND — Days after the White House announced it would welcome 100,000 Ukrainian refugees into the United States, one local organization is pressing the federal government to take several steps to ensure a smooth resettlement process.

On Monday, Global Cleveland issued a release calling for three key actions that they believe will "ease the resettlement process" for Ukrainians finding refuge in Northeast Ohio. 

1. A call for the federal government to extend the application deadline for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to all Ukrainian refugees until December 31, 2022. As it currently stands, refugees can only receive TPS status if they arrived in the U.S. before March 1, 2022. Ukrainians have just begun entering the United States in earnest. Extending TPS will offer Ukrainians a greater degree of protection and opportunity.

2. A call for the federal government to provide unrestricted work visas for Ukrainians until December 31, 2023. Ukrainian refugees want and need to work. With unrestricted work visas, Ukrainians can fill gaps in Ohio’s workforce deficit, helping support the economy by addressing the demand for workers.

3. A request for the federal government to direct $20,000,000 to Northeast Ohio in order to help Ukrainian refugees. "As a region that is home to one of the country’s largest populations of Ukrainians, we expect a large influx of refugees and are already seeing Ukrainians seeking refuge in Northeast Ohio."

Global Cleveland says its staff and board have spent countless hours meeting with Ukrainians, government officials, and fellow refugee resettlement organizations in the month since Russia invaded Ukraine.

"All of the actions we propose are informed by the needs expressed by the international community and our experience welcoming newcomers in times of crisis," the organization said in its statement. "We expected to receive 400 Afghanistan refugees but have gladly welcomed over 1,000 individuals to make a home for themselves in our region. We must be prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees with just as much fervor."

Global Cleveland also saluted the support shown to it by elected officials and the community at large. Anyone who is interested in volunteering their services can find more information here.

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