A Ukrainian family built a community in Cleveland. Now, they face deportation
Summary
A Ukrainian family living in Cleveland faces deportation after leaving the U.S. temporarily for medical treatment in Ukraine. Although they were told they could re-enter the U.S. under a humanitarian parole program, immigration officials claim they violated the rules by leaving and returning, leading to removal orders and a pending court hearing.Key Facts
- Tamila and Mykola Vashchuk, a Ukrainian couple in Cleveland, run a pierogi business and volunteer locally.
- Their 10-year-old son has a serious hormonal illness requiring refrigerated daily medication.
- The family left the U.S. for affordable medical care in Kyiv and were told by immigration officials they could return without problems.
- Upon returning to the U.S. through Boston in December 2022, they were given removal orders for allegedly breaking parole terms by leaving the country.
- The family’s deportation hearing is scheduled for August 2023 in Cleveland immigration court.
- Cleveland immigration judges have high rates of denying asylum, and the judge on their case has one of the highest denial rates nationally.
- Deportation poses serious risks due to Ukraine’s damaged infrastructure and unstable medicine supplies amid ongoing conflict and bombings.
- The Department of Homeland Security stated the family will receive due process but refused to comment on the health risks of deportation.
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