TAKE ACTION TO SUPPORT OUR UKRAINIAN NEIGHBORS

Please use the following script as a guide in advocating for those we have welcomed from Ukraine:

Hello, my name is _____. I live in (city), Missouri. I was alarmed to hear about the suspension of the humanitarian programs providing protection and support of Ukrainians fleeing the war in their homeland. I am calling/writing about my support of private sponsorship programs. I attend Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield, and private sponsorship allowed our church to take action and responsibility for bringing sixteen Ukrainian citizens to safety in the United States through Uniting for Ukraine.

Members of our church followed the legal process to bring two men, four women, and nine children fleeing the Ukrainian crisis to our community. I would be devastated if their safety is now at risk once more as the new administration is considering revoking the legal status of Ukrainian families who arrived under humanitarian parole and have applied for temporary protected status while Ukraine is still at war and lacks appropriate infrastructure for safe living conditions, education, and medical care.

I am asking you to please ensure Ukrainian Humanitarian Parole and Temporary Protected Status programs can remain open so that families can continue to find security through safe, orderly, legal pathways to the United States. It is also critical that the legal status of people who followed all of the rules and are rebuilding their lives as our new neighbors are protected. Our church community has benefited greatly from the contributions of these resilient newcomers and we are thriving together.

US Senators:

Josh Hawley: https://www.hawley.senate.gov/

Eric Schmitt: https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/

US Representative - 7th District:

Eric Burlison: https://burlison.house.gov/