Support for Ukrainians Impacted by the War
On March 1, 2022, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors engaged the Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA) and Office of Emergency Management to share important information for those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. OIA stands in support of our Ukrainian communities and the people of Ukraine. We are heartbroken by the horrible suffering the Ukrainian people are enduring, and support legal protections for those already in the country, as well as increased resettlement of Ukrainian refugees in the U.S.
OIA is available to connect our immigrant communities with available support services. Important services are available no matter your immigration status, including:
- Many healthcare services.
- Emergency food aid.
- Limited temporary housing assistance.
- Limited cash aid for persons with certain immigration status, or those with qualified household members.
- Ukrainians who have been granted Humanitarian Parole (this may occur after presenting at a port of entry to request asylum) may be eligible for CalWORKS or General Relief (GR) cash assistance.
If you have questions about how to access LA County services, help in your language is available. Call OIA at 800-593-8222 from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This webpage provides information for the following individuals:
1. Immigration Pathways for Ukrainian nationals already in LA County
- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced an 18-month Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Ukrainian nationals who have continuously resided in the United States since April 11, 2022, due to the war conditions in Ukraine. Individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria. For example, individuals with one felony or two misdemeanor convictions are not eligible for TPS. To apply, you must submit an application to be considered for this protection and work authorization.
The TPS application period for Ukrainians opened on April 19, 2022 and runs through Oct. 19, 2023. You can find more information about TPS eligibility and the application process here. For assistance connecting to a nonprofit immigration service provider in the Los Angeles area, contact OIA at 800-593-8222.
Asylum: Ukrainian nationals may be eligible for asylum in the U.S. This includes persons in removal proceedings in immigration court and other persons who wish to request asylum. Asylum law generally requires individuals to seek asylum within one year of their last entry to the U.S. There are some exceptions to this rule, including changed conditions in the applicant’s country.
Asylum law is complex and has many other requirements. It is important to get legal advice about your situation. OIA recommends that Ukrainian nationals who are considering applying for asylum obtain a legal consultation with an immigration attorney or federally accredited representative with experience in asylum law. Contact OIA for a referral to a non-profit legal services provider or accredited representative.
Family-Based Immigration and Other Immigration Relief: Some Ukrainian nationals in LA County may be eligible for permanent residence through a qualifying family relationship to a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. Others may be eligible for another form of immigration relief based on their individual circumstances. It is important for Ukrainians to obtain legal advice about other possible immigration remedies when seeking advice and assistance with TPS and/or asylum. Contact OIA for a referral to a non-profit legal services provider or accredited representative.
2. LA County residents seeking to assist Ukrainian relatives or friends abroad
- The U.S. government has announced an entry program for people fleeing Ukraine who are seeking refuge in the United States.
This website provides comprehensive information about this new initiative.
3. Persons seeking to support Ukrainian communities in the U.S. and abroad
- During times of crisis, many people want to support humanitarian efforts. However, scammers also use this as an opportunity to defraud us. When donating, make sure you do it through a legitimate organization.
Visit our tip sheet for the seven items to consider before donating. In LA County, you can report suspected scams to the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs: 800-593-8222, dcba.lacounty.gov.
For your convenience, here is a list of organizations that are accepting donations to provide direct aid to Ukrainians impacted by the Russian invasion:
- International Medical Corps is a Los Angeles-based organization that provides emergency relief to those struck by conflict, disaster and disease. When an emergency has ended, the organization shifts its response to long-term medical support and training. The organization has been operating in eastern Ukraine since 2014, delivering primary healthcare and mental health services to communities affected by the ongoing conflict.
- Ukrainian Culture Center in Los Angeles is raising funds for medical supplies and humanitarian aid to support the Ukrainian military and refugees.
- Direct Relief is a Santa Barbara-based organization that distributes donated medicine and medical supplies.
- International Rescue Committee provides information services as well as sleeping bags, medical supplies and other essentials to refugees from Ukraine who are crossing the border. In Ukraine, IRC is working with partners to provide lifesaving support to civilians forced to flee their homes amid growing violence.
- Revived Soldiers Ukraine funds medication and medical supplies for field and army hospitals at the front lines of eastern Ukraine.
- Save the Children has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, delivering essential humanitarian aid to children and their families. Donations help provide food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support and cash assistance.
- UNICEF’s Humanitarian Action for Children Appeal helps provide conflict- and disaster-affected children with access to water, sanitation, nutrition, health and safety services.