Cleveland, Ohio, home to one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the United States, is facing growing uncertainty as recent policy changes disrupt the lives of thousands. The Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) parole sponsorship program, which had provided a lifeline for Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion, has been paused by the Trump administration, causing widespread anxiety. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 100,000 Ukrainians in the U.S. until October next year, but the future remains uncertain. These changes have left Cleveland’s Ukrainians questioning their place in America and worrying about their safety and security.
The first Ukrainian immigrants arrived in Cleveland's Tremont area in the 1880s, with thousands more drawn to the city after the First World War. Today, approximately 15,000 Ukrainians call Cleveland home, making it one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the country. The city's streets are adorned with Ukrainian flags, and local stores and cafes resonate with the Ukrainian language. This vibrant community has integrated into Cleveland's fabric, with many employed as medical experts at the renowned Cleveland Clinic.
However, the recent suspension of the U4U program has cast a shadow over this thriving community. The program had allowed around 150,000 Ukrainians to enter and work legally in the U.S. for up to two years. Its suspension comes as a significant blow to those who had hoped to build a new life in America. Many Ukrainians now face uncertainty about their legal status and fear potential deportation.
“There are Amazon resell places where 80% of the staff are U4U recipients. They are our rust remover in the Rust Belt. They are our buffing agent.”
In response to these challenges, some Ukrainians have turned to TPS as an alternative, but this too is fraught with uncertainty. Mykola Vashchuk, who fled Ukraine due to dire conditions, is among those who recently applied for TPS.
“I applied for TPS five days ago, but who knows what will happen. Our applications are still pending,” said Mykola Vashchuk.
The anxiety that permeates the community is palpable, with many relying on social media for updates on their precarious situation.
“When they are getting all their information from Facebook or Twitter, the stress is real.”
Tetiana, another member of Cleveland's Ukrainian community, echoes these concerns as she keeps in touch with family back in Kyiv.
“I speak to my parents and sister in Kyiv. Now I’m very worried about what will happen because the war is continuing – the war hasn’t stopped and we don’t know what will happen here tomorrow.”
Despite these challenges, Cleveland's Ukrainian community continues to thrive in many ways. They have not only found employment but also established businesses such as cleaning companies, flower shops, and design studios. In Parma, a city south of downtown Cleveland, the Ukrainian Village neighborhood is home to half a dozen Ukrainian churches and cathedrals, a testament to their enduring cultural presence.
Children of Ukrainian immigrants have settled into American life, attending local schools and becoming fans of sports teams like the Cleveland Browns. Yet, the ongoing war in Ukraine serves as a constant reminder of the turmoil they left behind.
The U.S. State Department maintains a level 4 "do not travel" warning for Ukraine as Moscow is expected to intensify its attacks across the country. This international tension adds another layer of concern for Cleveland's Ukrainians, who fear for their families abroad while grappling with an uncertain future at home.
“Are they going to arrest us and send us to Guantánamo Bay?”
This sentiment reflects the deep-seated worry within the community about potential repercussions if their legal status becomes jeopardized. Many have applied for TPS as a precautionary measure, but questions linger about what lies ahead.