Over the past few years, WWOOF-USA has received a number of inquiries from hosts interested in opening their homes to refugees through US government sponsorship programs, especially after the war in the Ukraine began. We have also been contacted recently by several residents of Ukraine, and also Haiti, with requests for assistance receiving US sponsorship.
Uniting for Ukraine provides a pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily, with a period of parole up to two years. Ukrainians participating in Uniting for Ukraine must have a supporter in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their stay in the United States. The process begins when the supporter files Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to include information both on the supporter and the Ukrainian beneficiary. Ukrainians who meet the requirements receive authorization to travel directly to the United States and seek parole at a port of entry.
Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced processes through which nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, and their immediate family members, may request to come to the United States in a safe and orderly way. Qualified beneficiaries who are outside the United States and lack U.S. entry documents may be considered, on a case-by-case basis, for advanced authorization to travel and a temporary period of parole for up to two years for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Individuals participating in these processes must have a supporter in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their parole in the United States.
Please note that these are not WWOOF-USA programs, and WWOOF-USA cannot provide further information regarding them. The links above share all of the information you would need to learn about each program and what the next steps would be in participating. If you choose to sponsor a visitor through one of these programs, it is not considered part of the WWOOF program.
If you are interested in being connected with those who have contacted WWOOF seeking a sponsor through one of these programs, please contact info@wwoofusa.org to let us know.
Thank you!
