Comment Submitted by Anonymous

I respectfully urge the Department of Homeland Security to preserve and strengthen access to employment authorization for Ukrainians who entered the United States under humanitarian parole after fleeing Russia's war against Ukraine. My family did not come to the United States seeking economic opportunity. We came because remaining in Ukraine would have placed our lives and the lives of our children in danger. We are deeply grateful for the protection the United States has provided. The opportunity to work legally has been one of the most important factors allowing families like mine to rebuild our lives with dignity and independence. Employment authorization allows humanitarian parolees to support themselves instead of relying on public assistance. When Ukrainians are able to work legally, we pay federal, state, and local taxes, rent homes, purchase food, obtain health insurance, and spend money in our local communities. We contribute to the American economy every day through our work and our purchases, supporting local businesses and strengthening the communities where we live. Employment authorization allows us to become taxpayers and contributors rather than dependents. Restricting or eliminating access to employment authorization would have the opposite effect. Families who are willing and able to work would instead face financial hardship and may have no choice but to rely on public assistance simply to survive. Preventing people from working legally does not make them disappear, nor does it make it safe for them to return to an active war zone. It only increases financial insecurity while reducing their ability to contribute to the United States. For families with children, losing the ability to earn an income also threatens their housing stability, nutrition, clothing, healthcare, and overall well-being. For my own family, returning to Ukraine is not a realistic option. In addition to the ongoing dangers of war, our daughter continues to experience significant health challenges related to the trauma and stress caused by the war. She requires stability, continuity of medical care, and a safe environment to support her recovery. Returning to Ukraine would place both her health and our family's safety at serious risk. Ukrainians who came under humanitarian parole have consistently demonstrated a strong desire to work, support their families, and become self-sufficient. Many have accepted demanding jobs, paid taxes, volunteered in their communities, and worked hard to build stable lives despite the trauma of displacement. We do not seek dependence. We seek the opportunity to earn our living through honest work and continue contributing to the country that offered us refuge. I respectfully ask DHS to consider these real-world consequences when evaluating this proposed rule. Preserving employment authorization for humanitarian parolees fleeing war promotes self-sufficiency, strengthens local economies, reduces reliance on public benefits, and reflects the humanitarian principles that motivated the United States to offer protection in the first place. Thank you for considering my comment.