Ukrainians who fled war and the US communities that welcomed them fear they may be uprooted under Trump

CNN - May 10th, 2025
Open on CNN

Ukrainian refugees like Sasha and his family, who fled the war in Ukraine and settled in Hartsville, South Carolina, under the 'Uniting for Ukraine' program, now face the fear of being uprooted again. The Trump administration has paused decisions on parole extensions, temporary protected status, and work authorizations, leaving these refugees in limbo. This pause affects approximately 280,000 Ukrainians, impacting not only the individuals but also the communities that have welcomed and integrated them. Local sponsors and residents express concern about the potential loss of valuable community members and the economic and social contributions they provide.

The story underscores the broader implications of immigration policy changes on refugee communities and the towns that support them. Communities like Hartsville and DeWitt, Iowa, where Ukrainian families have resettled, face potential economic and social disruptions. The community's investment in supporting these refugees could be undone, leading to feelings of betrayal and reluctance to aid in the future. The situation highlights the challenges of immigration policy, emphasizing the need for stability and assurance for those who have already endured significant hardship. The halted processes threaten not only the refugees' dreams of safety and stability but also the communities' efforts to foster inclusivity and diversity.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a compelling and timely narrative about the challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees under the "Uniting for Ukraine" program. Its strengths lie in its engaging storytelling and focus on personal experiences, which resonate with readers and highlight the human impact of policy changes. However, the article would benefit from greater balance and transparency, including more diverse perspectives and authoritative sources. While it effectively captures public interest and has the potential to influence opinion, its impact on policy debates may be limited by the lack of official documentation and detailed analysis. Overall, the story is an empathetic and relevant exploration of a pressing issue, with room for improvement in its sourcing and balance.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides a detailed account of the challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. under the "Uniting for Ukraine" program. It accurately reflects the number of Ukrainians involved, approximately 280,000, who have relocated under this initiative. However, the article does not provide specific sources or data to verify these numbers, leaving some room for uncertainty regarding the exact figures. Additionally, the mention of the Trump administration's policies affecting immigration status requires further verification, as the article does not cite specific policy documents or official statements to support these claims. The narrative about administrative holds on USCIS benefit requests is consistent with known procedures but lacks direct quotes from official sources, which would enhance credibility.

6
Balance

The article predominantly focuses on the perspectives of Ukrainian refugees and their sponsors, highlighting their struggles and fears. While this provides an empathetic view, it lacks a balanced representation of the U.S. government's stance or the reasons behind the policy changes. The inclusion of quotes from USCIS or government officials could have provided a more rounded perspective. Furthermore, the narrative tends to favor the refugees' plight without exploring potential security or administrative reasons for the policy changes, which could present a more balanced view of the situation.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey the challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees. The narrative is logically organized, with a coherent flow from personal stories to broader community impacts. The tone is empathetic and engaging, making the story accessible to a general audience. However, the article could benefit from clearer explanations of the legal and administrative terms used, which might be unfamiliar to some readers.

5
Source quality

The article cites individuals directly affected by the policies, such as refugees and community members, which adds a personal touch to the story. However, it lacks authoritative sources or official statements from government agencies like the USCIS or the Trump administration. The absence of such sources reduces the reliability of the claims regarding policy changes and their implications. Including statements from official representatives or policy documents would have strengthened the article's credibility.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of the experiences of Ukrainian refugees, but it lacks transparency in terms of the sources of its information, particularly regarding the policy changes and their impact. There is little explanation of the methodology used to gather information or any potential biases that might affect the story. Greater transparency about the sources and methods could enhance the reader's understanding of the basis for the claims made in the article.

Sources

  1. https://cwsglobal.org/blog/daily-state-of-play-trumps-indefinite-refugee-ban-and-funding-halt/
  2. https://hias.org/news/refugee-rights-and-trump-administration-april-11-2025/
  3. https://hias.org/news/refugee-rights-and-trump-administration-april-25-2025/
  4. https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/02/20/ten-harmful-trump-administration-immigration-and-refugee-policies
  5. https://welcome.us/explainers/us-refugee-admissions-program-suspended-until-further-notice-welcome-corps-terminated