Keep Iowa’s Promise

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, American sponsors offered safety to Ukrainian families who were forced to flee to protect their children. They arrived legally through a secure government program offering temporary refuge. They followed every rule, backed by Iowans who value both safety and security. But now these families are at risk of being sent back to an active war zone. 

We promised these families that they could live and work in Iowa until their homeland in Ukraine is safe. Iowans value hard work, the rule of law, and we keep our word.

ASK YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL TO HONOR IOWA'S VALUES

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Ask your elected officials to honor Iowa’s values: Protect these families until it’s safe to go home.

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Get the Facts

  • Yes, Ukrainians arrive vetted with work permits and are filling jobs our communities need such as taking care of aging Iowans, construction, and health care. Some Ukrainians have started their own businesses and are even creating jobs in Iowa for Iowans.

    In fact, if their status remains in limbo, they will no longer be able to support themselves.

  • Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and the war is ongoing. Civilians are still losing their lives and due to the war, bombs have destroyed churches, schools, hospitals, and civilian housing. Many parts of Ukraine are unrecognizable and remain unsafe. We can’t send civilians back to an active war zone.

  • It is not yet safe in many areas of the country. Russian attacks in Ukraine continue to injure or kill civilians. During a recent trip to see Ukraine firsthand, IA NICE President Angela Boelens said civilians died every day she was in the country, and constant air sirens and debris ricocheting terrorized Ukrainians.

  • Yes, Russians have been accused of persecuting Christians and targeting Christian churches and pastors in Ukraine.

  • Many Iowans have volunteered to welcome Ukrainians fleeing the war to our communities and support them as they become self-sufficient. IA NICE sponsors help Ukrainian families find jobs, housing, and enroll children in school. The newcomers we’ve sponsored have become independent in 120 days or less, and many have found housing, purchased cars, or started businesses.

Hear Directly from Fellow Iowans

  • “They’re great assets to our community, they’re hard working. They want to learn. They want to provide for their families.”

    Sam Heer, local business leader who employs four Ukrainian workers

  • “These are people who pay taxes, who contribute to the community, who follow every law and regulation, and they are being forced not to work. These policies are forcing these families to rely on the community for support."

    Angela Boelens, IA NICE, Bellevue Herald-Leader

  • “It’s clear that this effort was never just about helping families from another part of the world. It’s really been about reaffirming our identity as Iowans — practical, compassionate, and grounded in strong values.”

    Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, Clinton Herald

  • “[Ukrainians] came here to work and support and fulfill the American dream."

    Linda Larkin, sponsor, Quad City Times

  • “Everyone thinks it’s in the past…It’s not behind us. People lost their lives every day we were there.”

    Angela Boelens, reflecting on her recent trip to see firsthand the ongoing war in Ukraine, Quad City Times