It’s been more than 50 days since Russia invaded Ukraine leaving thousands dead and millions displaced. While most people tried to flee into the neighboring European countries, many also made to the United States.

US President Joe Biden said last month that the country would accept up to 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion. However, the refugee and visa processing hasn’t been at speed, complained lawmakers and advocates.

While several thousand Ukrainians entered the US via the border with Mexico and some on legal visas, only 12 Ukrainians came through the US refugee program in March. But why were the numbers so low?

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On March 24, after facing pressure, the US said that it would use “the full range of legal pathways” to accept up to 100,000 Ukrainians. One of the major ways of entry is through the US refugee resettlement program. Those entering via the program can get citizenship and also be part of a relief program known as “humanitarian parole,” which allows people into the country on a temporary emergency basis.

At the time, officials said that the process could stretch beyond the current fiscal year ending on Sept. 30. Refugee resettlement can take years and there is a long backlog for US visa processing.

Is there any way US could accept more Ukrainian refugees?

According to State Department data, 514 Ukrainian refugees entered US in January and February during Russia’s build up to the war. However, only 12 resettled in March as the war intensified. This happened when the number of displaced from Ukraine skyrocketed.

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Many Ukrainian refugee applicants who were set to travel to US in March were stuck due to flight cancelations amid the conflict. This further led to the near-shutdown of admissions. 

What is US doing to help those displaced in Ukraine?

The Biden administration is providing with significant economic aid to assist the European countries receiving refugees. In late March, Washington pledged $1 billion in new humanitarian aid for those affected by the war.

Biden also signed into law a spending bill that provides $13.6 billion to help Ukraine and European allies, including about $4 billion to aid people fleeing.

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It also said in March that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) will be granted to an estimated 75,000 Ukrainians already in the US. However, this would not be applicable for those who arrived into US after March 1.