Matanuska-Susitna Borough votes to support a clear pathway for residency for Ukrainian refugees

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough adopted a resolution on April 15 asking state and federal agencies to provide Ukrainian refugees with a clear pathway for residency. Over 30 Ukrainian refugees living in the Mat-Su Valley attended the meeting to thank the Borough and express concerns about whether they would be able to stay in the country. 

After President Trump’s attempt to revoke humanitarian parole for many migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, many refugees have said they fear their legal status may be targeted next. 

Over 900 Ukrainian refugees live in Alaska, according to borough data — almost a third in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. 

Illia Huryn was one of the first Ukrainians to come to Alaska through the Uniting for Ukraine program. He addressed the borough with the assistance of a translator. He said he loves living in the area, but wants the borough to speak out on behalf of refugees like himself, as they fear humanitarian parole could be revoked without warning.

“What we’re asking for is to hear from you that we are needed here, that we are needed by you because it is possible that in a short period of time we could be asked to leave,” he said through his translator.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly member Stephanie Nowers said she introduced the resolution because she saw Ukrainian refugees contributing to the community and wanted them to keep living and working in the area.

Following public testimony from four other refugees, the resolution passed unanimously.