Story perspectives

Ukrainian Refugees Face Uncertainty Amid U.S. Policy Changes

11/23/2025

Summary

Story summary

Kateryna Golizdra, a Ukrainian refugee, faced six months of U.S. status uncertainty after her humanitarian program lapsed, losing her job and support for her mother in Germany.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration paused processing in January, heightening deportation fears.
A spending package added a $1,000 fee to applications, increasing stress.
Yevhenii Padafa, refugee, struggled with his application and tried self-deport via a government app, arriving in Buenos Aires with resources.

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Story summary

Kateryna Golizdra, a Ukrainian refugee, faced six months of U.S. status uncertainty after her humanitarian program lapsed, losing her job and support for her mother in Germany.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration paused processing in January, heightening deportation fears.
A spending package added a $1,000 fee to applications, increasing stress.
Yevhenii Padafa, refugee, struggled with his application and tried self-deport via a government app, arriving in Buenos Aires with resources.