Seeking Refuge: Ukrainian refugee featured in KCRA documentary faces uncertain future
More than three years ago, Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. It's a day that changed Kateryna Pyroh's life forever. Months after the conflict began, 25-year-old Pyroh escaped Ukraine with her two daughters. On April 18, 2022, they crossed the U.S./Mexico border into the United States."In one moment, you start to understand that you need to pack your life into two carry-on bags and fly away to be safe and to keep your children safe," Pyroh said.KCRA first met Pyroh while shooting our documentary, "Seeking Refuge: Hope on Hold."Less than a year later, we caught up with Pyroh as she settled into her new life in Sacramento.Pyroh is now 28 years old. April 18 is the three-year anniversary of her arrival in the United States. But on April 19, her temporary protective status expires.Humanitarian protections for some Ukrainians who escaped the war and fled to the U.S. are set to expire this weekend. In February, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services suspended the processing of applications for humanitarian parole programs under the Trump Administration."There's nothing I can do in this situation, so I can hope and pray and be happy. That's it," said Pyroh.Under the Trump administration, Temporary Protective Status is being granted on April 20 for people, like Pyroh, who have applied to extend their TPS status."I'm still waiting. I tried to apply for TPS extension. This is probably the third time," Pyroh said. "There's no answer yet."Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have been admitted into the U.S. Now, many are in the same position as when they got here."What happens with us now? We can't build life in Ukraine now, and we also can't build a life here fully because every six months, every year, we are stressed and nervous about documents and status," said Pyroh.A lot has changed for Pyroh. She now has another young daughter to think about."Her name is Olga Olivia and she was born here July 10, 2023," said Pyroh. "She's a happy child."Olga is a U.S. citizen, but Pyroh and her other two daughters are not. She says going back to Ukraine is not an option."It's not safe. It's dangerous for children. I took them here so they can live life here, and be safe and happy and go to school," said Pyroh.Pyroh's parents also fled Ukraine and relocated to Sacramento. Now, three generations are living under one roof, trying to keep their Ukrainian traditions alive.Even though their future in the U.S. is unclear, Pyroh still has hope."This is a freedom country and you can feel it," said Pyroh.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
