Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has formally asked President Donald Trump to allow about 1,000 Ukrainian refugees currently living in Alaska to remain in the United States as their humanitarian parole status faces uncertainty, officials said this week.
In a letter sent to the White House in January, Dunleavy urged Trump to create a pathway for Ukrainian refugees to stay in Alaska permanently. Many of the refugees arrived under the Uniting for Ukraine humanitarian parole program after fleeing the war in Ukraine, where they have since found work and integrated into local communities.
Supporters of extending residency rights say many Ukrainian families have become vital contributors to the state’s workforce and have established roots across Alaska, including jobs in health care, trades and service industries. Recent reports indicate that more than 100 Ukrainians have left Alaska after changes to parole policies paused re-applications and left their future uncertain.
Dunleavy’s request calls on the administration to allow the refugees to remain in the U.S. without needing to rely on temporary parole renewals, which have been complicated by the pause in the humanitarian parole program.
Also Read: Russia and Ukraine Report Rising Casualties as War Grinds On
Refugee advocates have welcomed the governor’s intervention but stressed that federal policy changes are ultimately required for any long-term solution. Alaska’s congressional delegation has also previously urged the federal government to provide stable status options for Ukrainians who have settled in the state.
The Trump administration has not yet publicly responded to Dunleavy’s request. Refugees and advocacy groups in Alaska closely monitor policy developments.
