Ukrainian refugees expected to come to Pittsburgh, despite backlog, local agencies say
Ms. Shishman, 38, recalls little else from 1989, the year the Soviet Union dissolved and the concept of home became elusive. Months of traversing across European borders would, by way of a refugee resettlement agency, lead to relocation in Pittsburgh.
As a reported 1 million Ukrainians are now fleeing the country as a result of the Russian invasion that began last month, some lawmakers and the public are calling for the United States to take in refugees from the crisis. Like the Shishmans decades ago, Ukrainians could again find a home in Western Pennsylvania.
Immigration experts say it could be months before decisions by the U.S. government make the process a viable option for those fleeing the war. Still, refugee resettlement agencies in Pittsburgh are readying for the possibility. One such agency, Jewish Family and Community Services, employs Ms. Shishman as an immigration services worker.
“I know for a fact there’s millions of people trying to come, and more,” Ms. Shishman said last week. “There’s equally as many trying to help bring those people here.”
On Thursday, JFCS announced it would commit to resettling Ukrainians, although legal options for that process are still being considered. Right now, visas are available for those with family members already living in the United States or for those who had applied before the war broke out.
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Pittsburgh has a rich history of immigrants coming from Central and Eastern Europe. Many come here because they are sponsored by relatives who are already here. However many more come because their passage and legal issues are being managed by volunteer agencies such as Jewish Family and Community Services. Pittsburgh welcomes Ukrainians with open arms!
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That sounds like a Trumplican thing.
I believe our newcomers from Ukraine will be made to feel welcome. There's already a large Ukrainian community here, as well as immigrants from many other areas of eastern Europe. My best friend came with her Mom and brother to Pittsburgh as refugees from Yugoslavia, after World War II was over.
Thanks for mentioning that. It's quite a hit in early December when the Nationality rooms are decorated for Christmas in their native countries. There's also a Christmas festival that's open to the public for one day in early December. I happen to be on the committee for the German Nationality room.
St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church - accepting donations for refugees
(link) http://saintgeorgepittsburgh.org/Ukraine.htm
St. Josephat Eparchy Ukrainian Catholic Church - accepting donations for refugees
(link) https://stjosaphateparchy.com/
Jewish Family and Community Services - immigration, legal and resettlement assistance
(link) https://www.jfcspgh.org/services/immigration-legal-services/
I'm sure there are more volunteer groups in Pittsburgh. If anyone else knows of groups providing assistance to Ukrainian refugees, please post them here.