California schools have begun to welcome Ukrainian refugee children, reports Carolyn Jones on EdSource. So far, it’s only a few students, but there are large Ukrainian communities in Sacramento, Los Angeles and the Bay Area.
Sacramento City Unified has greeted at least 12 new students from Ukraine since the war began. The district offers wide-ranging support for immigrant students, including a free immunization clinic, mental health counseling, English classes and services for families, such as help finding jobs and getting settled in the U.S. Afghan refugees arriving last fall found similar support in Sacramento, Elk Grove and other districts.
St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles is helping new arrivals, she writes. Many plan to return to Ukraine, but may not have homes to return to, said the Rev. Vasile Sauciur. “Teachers and classmates will have to be patient. But these children are very strong.”
Illia Puzhalina, 10, and his two sisters, Yeva, 9, and Virsaviia, 6, head off to their new school in Tacoma. Photo: Anastasiia Puzhalina
Families from Ukraine and Russia are crossing the Mexican border, reports Jo Napolitano on The 74.
Once refugees arrive at the camp in Tijuana, they’re “handed a water bottle and ice cream by dozens of Ukrainian and Russian-speaking volunteers, many of whom flew down from the U.S. to assist,” she writes. After a few days, “aid workers will drive them to their next stop: often San Diego International Airport.”
President Biden has pledged to welcome 100,000 Ukrainian refugees, writes Napolitano. “Unite for Ukraine”, a streamlined immigration program, will let refugees fly here from Europe. “They must have been in Ukraine as of Feb. 11; have a sponsor who can financially support them — this can be in individual or organization — complete vaccinations and other public health requirements and pass background checks.”