North Dakota Sponsors Urge Faster Work Approvals for Ukrainian Refugees

Humanitarian groups warn of crisis as Ukrainians struggle to extend stays and work authorizations.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Humanitarian groups in North Dakota are warning of a crisis as Ukrainian refugees temporarily allowed to live and work in the state face delays in getting their work authorizations and humanitarian parole extended. An estimated 500 adults were allowed to find jobs in North Dakota through sponsors under the federal Uniting for Ukraine program, but advocates say the delays in processing new applications and renewals are hindering their ability to earn money and creating additional hardships.

Why it matters

The delays in processing work authorizations and humanitarian parole extensions for Ukrainian refugees in North Dakota are leaving many unable to maintain steady employment and facing uncertainty about their ability to remain in the state. This is concerning as the war in Ukraine continues, making it unsafe for them to return home.

The details

Michael Southam, cofounder of the group FM Volunteers for Ukraine, said getting reapproved for humanitarian parole or transitioning to Temporary Protected Status remains difficult, with "the delays [being] unbelievable in processing for their authorization to stay here lawfully and their work authorizations." He pointed out that this hinders their ability to earn money while sorting out their situation. The criticisms stretch back to last summer, when the Trump administration resumed re-parole applications after a court order prompted the program to continue after an application freeze. Southam noted that the new application fees are much higher now, creating additional hardships for the refugees.

  • The Uniting for Ukraine program was established four years ago, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
  • Last summer, the Trump administration resumed re-parole applications for the program after a court order.

The players

Michael Southam

Cofounder of the group FM Volunteers for Ukraine.

Sen. Kevin Cramer

Republican senator from North Dakota who recommended last fall that President Donald Trump provide some reassurances to enrollees of the Uniting for Ukraine program.

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What they’re saying

“The delays are unbelievable in processing for their authorization to stay here lawfully and their work authorizations.”

— Michael Southam, Cofounder, FM Volunteers for Ukraine

What’s next

Advocates are calling on the federal government to adopt a blanket two-year extension of the Uniting for Ukraine program, as it is still unsafe for Ukrainians to return home.

The takeaway

The delays in processing work authorizations and humanitarian parole extensions for Ukrainian refugees in North Dakota are creating significant hardships, hindering their ability to earn money and remain in the state as the war in Ukraine continues. This highlights the need for the federal government to provide more support and streamlined processes to assist these vulnerable individuals.