MoFo Provides Legal Support to Ukrainian Refugees in the United States

MoFo is committed to supporting those in need through our pro bono efforts. On July 2, 2024, our Washington, D.C. office demonstrated this commitment by assisting 18 Ukrainian refugees in their quest to stay in the United States as the war in their home country continues. Nineteen of our lawyers and summer associates volunteered their time to complete humanitarian re-parole applications, which are necessary to maintain the refugees' lawful presence in the United States.

Our clients, who fled their homeland in the wake of the Russian invasion in early 2022, were initially granted humanitarian parole to live and work in the United States for two years. As the war in Ukraine continues, the federal government authorized "re-parole" applications earlier this year, allowing successful applicants to extend their stay and continue their employment in the United States.

Through a Zoom-facilitated legal clinic, our team worked in pairs, meeting virtually with clients and their caseworkers, who also served as interpreters. They completed an application for re-parole for each client, as well as applications for a waiver of the $630 per person filing fee. Each team saw a client in the morning and another in the afternoon, and D.C partner and Pro Bono Committee member Chris Gloria hosted a lunch for participants between the morning and afternoon sessions.

This clinic was facilitated by New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, in collaboration with Church World Service. Their support and coordination were invaluable in rendering this crucial service to individuals stranded in the United States by circumstances far beyond their control.

Learn more about MoFo's pro bono efforts.