07/22/2026
Dear CFR community,
Please consider speaking up for Ukrainian New Neighbors across Oregon by taking the steps below:
1. "Let Them Work" Initiative – Public Comments on Proposed Employment Authorization Rule
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed changes that would make it more difficult for many humanitarian parole recipients - including Ukrainians who arrived through Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) - to obtain or renew Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Under the proposed rule, applicants renewing their work authorization would have to demonstrate economic necessity and generally show they are employed by, or seeking employment with, an employer participating in E-Verify. DHS is currently accepting public comments on this proposal through August 4, 2026. Public comments, especially those that include personal stories, can help demonstrate the real impact these changes would have on families, employers, and local communities.
How to submit a comment:
- Go to Regulations.gov.
- In the search bar, enter USCIS-2026-0067.
- Scroll down to the proposed rule titled "Clarification of Discretionary Employment Authorization for Certain Aliens."
- Click "Comment" or "Submit a Formal Comment."
- Paste your comment in English and include your personal story before submitting.
- Sample comment:
"I support the goals of the national LET THEM WORK initiative and respectfully urge DHS and USCIS to protect lawful access to employment authorization. The ability to work legally allows families to support themselves, pay taxes, and contribute to their communities. The Ukrainian community alone supports approximately 300,000 jobs, generates an estimated $60 billion in annual economic activity, and contributes billions in tax revenue. Employment authorization benefits families, employers, and local economies. Please avoid creating additional barriers that make it harder for legally present individuals to work and contribute to the United States.
[Add your personal story here.]"
If you are submitting a comment, please include 2–5 sentences explaining why you support the Ukrainian community, share your experience working with Ukrainian families, having Ukrainian neighbors, coworkers, employees, or friends, or explain why it is important to you that Ukrainians are able to live and work legally in the United States. Personal stories and real-life experiences help demonstrate the positive impact Ukrainians have on local communities and carry significant weight during the public comment review process.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to make your voice heard. Your support can make a meaningful difference for thousands of Ukrainian families.
2. Ukrainian Adjustment Act (H.R. 3104)
The Ukrainian Adjustment Act (H.R. 3104) would provide eligible Ukrainians who are currently in the United States under humanitarian parole with a pathway to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card), provided they meet the eligibility requirements established by the legislation. The bill is currently pending in Congress and has gained bipartisan support with 35 House co-sponsors. Continued outreach to Members of Congress is critical to building additional support and moving the legislation forward.
Community members can easily identify and contact their Representative by ZIP code through the Ukrainian advocacy portal. The website explains the bill, provides updates on its progress, and includes sample emails and phone scripts that make it easy to contact Congress.
You can find those resources here:
https://uaportal.org/
