Comment Submitted by Iryna Kalchenko

As a Ukrainian who came to the United States in 2022, I want to continue contributing to this country and supporting myself independently. Since arriving in the U.S., I have worked hard to provide for myself and have never relied on government assistance, free health insurance programs, food stamps (SNAP), or other financial benefits. Having the ability to work legally is extremely important to me because it allows me to pay my own expenses, maintain my independence, and contribute to the American economy through paying taxes. Ukrainians who have received temporary protection are not asking to avoid responsibility — we are asking for the opportunity to work, follow the law, support ourselves, and contribute to the communities where we live. Removing access to employment authorization would prevent many people from being self-sufficient and would create unnecessary hardship for individuals who want to work and contribute. I respectfully ask USCIS to continue allowing Ukrainians with lawful humanitarian protection, including TPS, to obtain employment authorization while the war in Ukraine continues and safe return remains impossible.