The browser you are using is not supported. Please consider using a modern browser.

Skip Navigation
Donate
Start of main content.

Press Release // Refugee Resettlement

One Million Refugees Flee Ukraine in First Week of Russian Invasion

LIRS logo

LIRS Staff

March 2, 2022

Contact: Timothy Young | tyoung@lirs.org

Washington, D.C.— One million refugees have fled Ukraine within the first week of the Russian invasion, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. UN officials have estimated that continued conflict could produce up to four million refugees.

The following is a statement from Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service:

“The sheer scale of this crisis demands urgent action from the international community to provide relief for those forced from the only home they have ever known. Among the most pressing priorities are food, clean drinking water, shelter, medical care, mental health services, and more. The United States has a significant role to play in supporting Ukraine’s neighboring nations who represent the frontlines of this humanitarian emergency.

The growing refugee exodus underscores the rapid deterioration of the security situation. It is imperative that the Biden administration heeds the call of advocates and lawmakers to designate Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status. Protecting Ukrainian families from deportation to an active warzone would be an important sign of solidarity and represents the clear moral course of action. Just as Europe plans to activate a temporary protection directive, designating TPS is well within the Biden administration’s authority, and the atrocities of the Russian invasion demand it be implemented at once.”

The Latest

  • Press Release · Immigration and Asylum

    November 29, 2023

    LIRS Opposes Congressional Efforts to End Asylum Protections in Budget Negotiations

    As a bipartisan group of Senators continue negotiations on President Biden’s $106 billion funding request, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service urges lawmakers to safeguard critical asylum protections

    Read More

  • Press Release · Empowering Refugees

    November 20, 2023

    Overcoming Poverty and Raising Wages: “New American Cities” Workforce Development Program

    LIRS and Yoga Alliance will establish a pilot program that will incorporate yoga to help refugees and immigrants heal from the emotional trauma they experienced on their journeys to the United States.

    Read More

  • News · Immigration and Asylum

    November 10, 2023

    Unsung Heroes: Immigrants in the U.S. Military

    An estimated 700,000 foreign-born veterans call this country home, while approximately 45,000 immigrants are currently defending our freedoms as members of the armed forces.

    Read More

  • Press Release · Empowering Refugees

    November 9, 2023

    LIRS Partners with Yoga Alliance to Develop Innovative Mental Health Programming

    LIRS and Yoga Alliance will establish a pilot program that will incorporate yoga to help refugees and immigrants heal from the emotional trauma they experienced on their journeys to the United States.

    Read More

  • Press Release

    November 2, 2023

    LIRS Urges Pakistan to Halt Afghan Deportation Campaign

    Nearly 120,000 unaccompanied migrant children entered the U.S. government's shelter system in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. LIRS stresses the need for more robust protections, additional resources for post-release services, and access to legal representation

    Read More

Related Posts

Press Release · Refugee Resettlement

Biden Administration Keeps FY 2024 Refugee Cap at 125,000

September 29th

More

Press Release · Immigration and Asylum

Congress Reintroduces Bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act

July 14th

More

Press Release · Immigration and Asylum

LIRS Commends DHS on announcement of Afghan “Re-parole” Process

May 5th

More

Share