A leader in the central Kentucky Ukrainian community said many members are concerned about the possible end of a Biden-era program that could result in their deportation. Victor Selepina is a deacon with the House of Prayer Evangelical Church in Lexington, which is predominantly Ukrainian.
“I know many people that have established businesses, local, small businesses, and construction in particular, and they are very concerned. And we have several of those kind of families in our church, and that's pretty much the only topic that's being talked about right now," Selepina said.
Reuters reports that on March 6, the president said he’d decide soon on whether to revoke temporary legal status for the 240-thousand Ukrainians who’ve come to the U.S. The president is currently in talks with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine in an attempt to end the war started when Russia invaded Ukraine. Selepina, who came to the U.S. at the age of 9 and is an American citizen, offered this message to the Trump Administration.
“We are here legally. We want to stay here. This is the country that has done a lot for them, for us. And I would say, based on what the folks that I speak to are saying, is give us a choice.”
Selepina said some members of the Ukrainian community do want to return one day, but others, especially those with businesses and young children, would like to stay.
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