Kristina and Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON (Reuters] – As thousands flee Ukraine and seek refuge in the United States, it is signaling its willingness to play a secondary role while providing assistance. However, they are not indicating that Europe should become their first destination.

The United States sent disaster specialists to Ukraine to evaluate the situation and encouraged neighboring countries not to close their borders to Russians who invaded Ukraine.

Last year, President Joe Biden’s administration launched an emergency evacuation for Afghans in the wake of the withdrawal by the U.S. Military from Afghanistan. However, Europe is expected to lead the effort to help the Ukrainians.

Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, stated that while the United States is ready to receive refugees on Thursday but also stressed that most fleeing Ukrainians want to travel to Europe. She added that neighboring countries have expressed openness and support for the idea.

On Friday, thousands of Ukrainians, mostly children and women, entered Poland, Romania and Hungary from Kyiv.

The Migration Policy Institute (MPI), which is located in Washington, states that Ukrainians may travel without visa to the European Union for as long as they stay within the EU. It’s an instant route to refuge and a way to get out of Ukraine.

In recent years, both European and American political parties have fought over the acceptance of refugees.

The U.S. Republicans advocate for stricter immigration regulations as they attempt to control Congress in the November elections.

According to Melanie Nezer (a spokesperson for HIAS), the best thing for displaced Ukrainians is for them to be able return home safe. HIAS was formerly called the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society.

Refugee groups are urging the Biden administration, in the short term at least, to increase funding for Eastern European countries which receive Ukrainians as well as organizations operating within that region.

United Nations agencies warned that up to 5 million could leave the country.

Robert Menendez (Democrat, Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee) has urged Biden for deportation relief to Ukrainians in America through a Temporary Protected Status program.

Psaki stated that a decision will be reached through deliberative processes involving several U.S agencies, and she couldn’t predict its outcome.

Principal Anna Cirilli of St. Nicholas Cathedral School in Chicago said that the school community prays for peace and many hope refugees will be supported in neighbouring countries so they can return home quickly.

She said that most families would like to remain in their country.