LET THEM WORK

LET THEM WORK is a national advocacy initiative focused on addressing systemic USCIS delays that prevent Ukrainians lawfully present in the United States from maintaining uninterrupted work authorization.

The initiative includes federal-level advocacy with Congress and the Administration, engagement with communities, businesses, and faith organizations, and public outreach that highlights the economic and social contributions of Ukrainians in the U.S. to explain why the right to work must be protected.

LET THEM WORK is a national advocacy initiative addressing systemic USCIS delays and policy gaps affecting Ukrainians lawfully present in the United States.
The initiative advocates for uninterrupted work authorization, timely processing of humanitarian parole and TPS, and lawful stability for Ukrainians while the war continues.
For over one year — and in some cases more than 18 months — Ukrainians who entered the U.S. legally, filed all required applications on time, paid all fees, and complied with U.S. law have faced prolonged USCIS delays beyond their control.

As a result:
• people lose work authorization and income;
• families face financial instability;
• some individuals are exposed to detention due to document expirations caused solely by administrative delays, not violations.
The LET THEM WORK advocacy case calls for federal-level administrative solutions, including:
• uninterrupted or timely extension of work authorization;
• faster processing and extension of humanitarian parole and TPS;
• temporary and longer-term lawful pathways for Ukrainians at least while the war continues;
• protection of law-abiding individuals from harm caused by government processing delays.
Ukrainians in the U.S. are working, paying taxes, starting businesses, and contributing to the American economy and local communities.
The loss of work authorization due to delays harms:
• families and children,
• U.S. employers,
• local economies,
• and public trust in lawful immigration processes.

This initiative highlights why protecting the right to work is not a benefit, but a necessity for both Ukrainians and the United States.
You can support the initiative by becoming a voice for Ukrainians and contacting your U.S. Senator or Representative.

The HEARTBEAT with AP team has prepared four sample advocacy letters, written from different perspectives:
• from Ukrainians lawfully present in the U.S.;
• from U.S. citizens;
• from employers and business owners;
• from churches and faith-based organizations.

All sample letters are available in our Telegram channel:
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LET THEM WORK—

Timeline of Key Events

The LET THEM WORK advocacy case was formally developed.

The team conducted consultations with California-based immigration attorneys, refugee and human rights organizations, as well as community and faith leaders. During this period, more than 30 offices of U.S. Senators and Members of Congress were informed, and state-level representatives were engaged.

➡️ This was no longer an isolated problem.
The LET THEM WORK advocacy case was formally developed. The team conducted consultations with California-based immigration attorneys, refugee and human rights organizations, as well as community and faith leaders. During this period, more than 30 offices of U.S. Senators and Members of Congress were informed, and state-level representatives were engaged.

➡️ Individual stories became a collective case.
The LET THEM WORK initiative was presented at the Strategic Summit of Ukrainian Ministries in Cleveland, Ohio. The summit brought together pastors, church leaders, and nonprofit organizations from across the United States. Immigration document delays were raised as a shared advocacy issue, and faith leaders were engaged to support and advocate for their congregants at local and state levels.

➡️ The issue entered public and institutional dialogue.
DYAKU.U 25 — Ukrainian Annual Thanksgiving Festival was held in Orange County, Southern California. The festival expressed gratitude to the United States and highlighted Ukrainian-owned businesses and the economic contributions of Ukrainians to the U.S. economy. The LET THEM WORK initiative was presented as part of the broader advocacy narrative, with participation from local government officials and the Chamber of Commerce.

➡️ The message reached beyond the Ukrainian community.
The initiative advanced to the federal level with the preparation and submission of a collective appeal addressed to the President of the United States and the White House Administration, raising awareness of immigration document delays affecting lawfully present Ukrainians.

➡️ The issue advanced to the federal level.
Within four months, LET THEM WORK evolved from individual community requests into a coordinated, multi-state advocacy initiative involving communities, faith leaders, legal experts, and partners across 18 U.S. states.

➡️ LET THEM WORK emerged as a national advocacy initiative.

HEARTBEAT with AP has informed 34 Members of Congress about this issue,

26 U.S. Senators and 6 Members of the House of Representatives. We are sincerely grateful to those who have already responded and taken steps to support Ukrainians affected by these delays. We also appreciate the time and consideration of those who are currently reviewing the matter and welcome their support.

US Senators