Connecticut Leaders, Members of CT's Ukrainian Community Praise Announcement by Biden Administration to Welcome Up to 100,000 Ukrainian Refugees
[HARTFORD, CT] – Members of the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, Governor Ned Lamont, members of Connecticut’s Ukrainian community, and local refugee organizations praised the announcement by President Joe Biden that the United States will welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians that have fled their homeland as a result of Putin’s invasion.
“I applaud President Biden’s announcement that the United States will welcome 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. Having recently visited the Poland/Ukraine border with a number of colleagues on a bipartisan trip, I saw women and children fleeing the horror and terror that Putin has caused. I continue to support increased humanitarian aid and provision of lethal arms to end this conflict as quickly as possible. The 3.5 million refugees that have already fled Ukraine and have added to an already burgeoning refugee and humanitarian crisis around the globe. Last year, 26 million refugees were displaced from areas as diverse as Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Myanmar. I continue to call on the administration to enable more of our at-risk Afghan allies to escape the Taliban. They helped Americans, our troops and diplomats, and they remain under dire threat from the Taliban. We must continue to bring them to safety as quickly as possible. Today’s announcement is a positive step addressing the humanitarian catastrophe stemming from Putin’s war in Ukraine, but there remains more to be done to help refugees across the globe,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.
“I am glad to see the Biden administration announce today that the U.S. will welcome 100,000 Ukrainians. This is a step in the right direction, but we not only need to do more to make sure that Ukrainians fleeing violence are safe and protected, we must also increase the number of refugees we are admitting from all over the globe. Immigrants and refugees make our community stronger. Connecticut stands ready to do our part to help these refugees,” said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy.
“Connecticut has a proud history of welcoming those in need, and we will welcome with open arms those Ukrainians seeking refuge from the death and destruction caused by the unjustified and unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. We have welcomed those from Syria and Afghanistan in recent years, and we will spare no effort in the preparation for the arrival of those from Ukraine. We will do everything in our power in state government to ensure the needs of families making their way to Connecticut from Ukraine have the resources they need and the support necessary to provide for a smooth transition,” said Governor Ned Lamont.
“Putin’s horrific attacks against Ukraine have led to a humanitarian and refugee crisis. More than 3.5 million Ukrainians have fled and need help. That's why I voted for nearly $14 billion assistance for Ukraine. I applaud President Biden’s announcement that the United States is going to welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees and is allocating an additional $1 billion in humanitarian assistance. We in Connecticut stand ready aid them,” said U.S. Representative John B. Larson.
“President Biden’s decision is welcome news for Connecticut’s Second District which has a vibrant Ukrainian American populace who, along with their neighbors, will welcome innocent civilians seeking safe refuge from Putin’s war machine. Everyday since Russia’s criminal attack on Ukraine I hear from constituents asking how they can help. The President’s decision will create a meaningful opportunity for our region to provide care and healing to a proud and heroic people,” said U.S. Representative Joe Courtney.
“I applaud President Biden for today’s announced plans for the United States to accept 100,000 Ukrainian refugees, as well as others fleeing Russia’s malicious aggression. More than 3.5 million refugees have now fled Ukraine since Russia’s unwarranted invasion—the largest number and fastest since World War II. And according to recent reports, thousands of civilian buildings, structures, and vehicles in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed. So, as Russia continues to deliberately target women, children, and other innocent civilians, I want to be clear – I will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people. The United States has a moral responsibility to do the right thing and provide a safe haven for these families,” said U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro.
“Each day Putin grows more savage in his attacks on Ukraine. More than 10 million Ukrainians have fled their homes as the Russians indiscriminately attack innocents. That is why President Biden’s decision to accept 100,000 Ukrainian refugees comes with not a moment to spare. Speaking with my constituents at rally after rally in solidarity with Ukraine, they are resounding in their readiness to accept and support Ukrainian refugees in need. Connecticut has been and will continue to be a place that accepts refugees fleeing war and persecution with open arms,” said U.S. Representative Jim Himes.
“More than 3 million refugees have already fled their homes in Ukraine, and 4 million more are expected to seek safety as the Russian invasion continues. This is not Ukraine’s problem-this is a humanitarian crisis that demands a global response. The actions of the United States and the international community send a clear message of support,” said U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes.
“We are glad that the United States of America will welcome up to 100,000 refugees from Ukraine. We continue to pray for peace and an end to the war,” said Myron Kolinsky, Organizational Director of the Ukrainian National Home of Hartford.
“Our heartfelt thanks to President Biden for this larger than expected humanitarian gesture. These refugees are innocent victims of Russia’s war on Ukraine and its people. The Allies must provide more weapons to Ukraine in order to end this war,” said Myron Melnyk, member of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America.
“IRIS applauds the White House announcement to resettle 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. We urge the United States Government to extend a similar offer of welcome to all those who have been forced to flee their home countries regardless of nationality, religion, or race. With the help of our generous community, IRIS stands ready to welcome Ukrainians as we have welcomed Afghans, Syrians, Congolese and others who have fled persecution and war,” said Chris George, Executive Director of IRIS – Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services.
“We are heartened by President Biden’s commitment to resettle 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. CIRI stands ready to welcome and assist refugees fleeing war and persecution spurred by the unjustified invasion of Ukraine. Our legal team is currently aiding Ukrainians residing in Connecticut, and CIRI’s refugee resettlement and unaccompanied minor teams are prepared to assist all seeking safety and support. We urge the public to join us in supporting our current and welcoming our new neighbors,” said Susan Schnitzer, President and CEO of Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants.
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