Ukrainians in Chicago are fearful -- and hopeful -- of what a second Donald Trump presidency will mean for Russian President Vladimir Putin's targeted war on their homeland, and for the hundreds of thousands of refugees now living and working in the U.S.
Trump's vow to end the war in Ukraine in one day has been met with deep skepticism. His desire to make America a stronger foreign leader could mean emboldening Ukraine against Russia and its allies. But Trump could also choose to stop supporting Ukraine or force Ukraine into capitulation -- turning Ukrainians' worst fears into reality.
For local Ukrainians, Trump's plans for mass deportations also bring into question whether an estimated 30,000 Ukrainian refugees in Chicago -- who were allowed to enter the U.S. legally under an executive order issued by President Joe Biden -- will be safe.
"Everyone really doesn't know what's going to happen to that program. It could be an executive order from President Trump that could end that program," said Mariya Dmytriv-Kapeniak, president of the Illinois Division of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. "If that is taken away, that is the biggest fear, because there is new, other rhetoric that even Green Card holders might be deported."
The Biden executive order that allowed between 30,000 to 40,000 Ukrainian refugees to come to Chicago is a huge concern for local Ukrainians, according to Dmytriv-Kapeniak, a doctor who came to the U.S. from the Ternopil region 30 years ago.
"They could get basically everything that Green Card holders, permanent residents" would have access to," said Dmytriv-Kapeniak.
Biden in April 2022 created the "Uniting for Ukraine" program through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, establishing an avenue for Ukrainian citizens displaced by the war to apply for humanitarian parole in the U.S.
Ukrainians had to have a sponsor in the U.S., complete vaccinations and other public health requirements, and pass other security checks. That program was intended to last two years -- but was extended for another two years in February. Without an extension, the program will end in 2026.
More than 170,000 Ukrainians were allowed into the U.S. under that program, according to the State Department.
"The City of Chicago being a sanctuary city, it'll be a little harder [to deport refugees and Green Card holders]," said Dmytriv-Kapeniak... "We also work with City Council...but still there's fear about tens of thousands being left illegal overnight."
Trump and his border czar have stated they would begin their mass deportation plan by targeting immigrants lacking permanent legal status facing criminal charges...
"It's only going to hurt him...if Ukraine does not win this war," noted Mila Ugryn...
Biden's request would have provided aid through 2026 — expecting Trump might pressure Zelenskyy towards negotiations with Putin...
"You see partners like France and England...they realize how dire it would be if Russia won," said Mike Kalynyuk...
Marta Farion supports students at Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation amidst wartime challenges...
"These are students who've lost parents/homes..."Local Ukrainians stay connected via news/social media while aiding frontline efforts...
"He told me stories like 'We don't eat...' Kalynyuk shared..."Mila remains hopeful given Trump's unpredictability: "...the way forward is support among countries..."