Ukrainians in Fargo Face Uncertain Future

Many are in the U.S. under private sponsorship via humanitarian parole, but their program is set to expire with no replacement in sight.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – 23-year-old Vlad is from Kyiv, so he experienced firsthand the terror of the Russian invasion.

Two weeks ago, he looked at the news – and learned that his old dwelling had been hit with a missile attack.

Luckily for him, he had been able to get to America and settle in Fargo, where he’s now been for a little over a year, under humanitarian parole.

He works two jobs, for Nichole’s Fine Pastry and for NDSU, and says he’s enamored with the area and the people.

“Such a great people, super helpful, super nice,” he said, beaming. “I love them.”

But humanitarian parole only runs for two years.

The Trump administration has not extended the Uniting for Ukraine program that has allowed 240,000 Ukrainians into the U.S. under private sponsorship.

They’ve even revoked humanitarian parole for certain countries.

All this has Vlad and his fellow refugees concerned.

“It’s super scary to lose your home for the second time, like it was with Ukraine.”

Also concerned is his employer, the namesake of Nichole’s.

“Well, it’s a little hard to wrap your mind around. It makes zero sense. Why would these people be forced to go back to a country that is demolished?” asked Nichole Hensen, owner and operator of the establishment.

She’s hired her fair share of Ukrainians since the war began, and she says they’re extraordinarily competent workers who have brought a fresh perspective to her business.

She believes that those calling for the United States to be more restrictive and less welcoming are forgetting where we all initially came from –

“Our ancestors came over the ocean to find a better life. So why, now, so many years later, would we deny these people the same opportunity?” she asked.

while Vlad wants to remind everyone that he, like many others, is here with the best of intention.