The Russo-Ukrainian War, which began in 2014, escalated dramatically in February 2022 when Russia initiated a full scale military invasion of Ukraine, sending shockwaves across the globe and displacing millions. This invasion triggered the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. Ukrainians, forced to flee their homes, often left behind everything except for what they could carry. As of today, over 6.5 million people have fled Ukraine, seeking safety in various parts of the world1.
Washington State has emerged as a major destination for displaced Ukrainians, now hosting the third-largest Ukrainian population in the U.S. after California and New York, according to the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) initiative2. Data from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) indicate that Washington has seen a large influx of Ukrainian refugees. However, these numbers likely understate the full scope of Ukrainian migration, as many undocumented Ukrainians have also resettled in the state. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Ukrainians are the fastest-growing European immigrant group in Washington, with many resettling in the Seattle area, particularly in Southeast Seattle, Kent, and Pasco3.
Many of them have come to Washington state through the Uniting for Ukraine program, sponsored by family or friends. According to the current administration, their status as refugees under this program is assigned for two years from the day they arrive. The majority of Ukrainians coming to Washington through this program reside in Snohomish, King and Pierce counties.
Since the launch of the U4U program in April 2022, more than 271,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the U.S4. With its longstanding tradition of welcoming refugees, Washington state has become a key resettlement area. As of 2023, many Ukrainians have relocated to Washington due to existing familial and communal ties, as well as the state’s welcoming attitude towards refugees, forming one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the U.S. The Biden administration’s U4U program expedited the process for these refugees, allowing some to receive approval in just days—much faster than the usual wait times5.
Data (from) the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA) reveals that between February 2022 and July 2024, a total of 27,589 Ukrainians arrived in Washington, fleeing the devastation of war. Since Washington offers Ukrainian new arrivals a welcoming environment and provides supportive programming.
The Mental Health Toll
The emotional scars of war and displacement are profound for many Ukrainian refugees. While they may have survived the physical journey, the psychological trauma is much harder to heal. Those who were directly exposed to military actions, physical violence, or severe human suffering had higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma-related symptoms. Many refugees arrive in the U.S. bearing the mental burden of fleeing their homes, losing loved ones, and witnessing violence. Research on forced migration highlights several traumatic factors that can negatively impact mental health at different stages of the migration process7.
Before forcible displacement, many Ukrainians experienced violence, loss of family members, and the disruption of their communities. While escaping, they endured strenuous conditions. They may have experienced war, the loss of a close person or relative, accidents, and homelessness, which align with reported traumatic events such as other stressful incidents, military actions, physical assaults, and severe human suffering. Once they arrive in their respective host countries, refugees often face social isolation, unemployment, language barriers, various forms of discrimination , and acculturative stress8. These compounded stressors make it difficult for refugees, including Ukrainians, to engage with mental health services. Barriers such as language difficulties, unfamiliarity with the healthcare system, and cultural stigma around mental health prevent many from seeking help.
Although healthcare infrastructure in Washington state is designed to support Ukrainian newcomers, significant challenges remain. Some common concerns include preventable infectious diseases, dental problems and emotional distress. There is a significant need for culturally and linguistically responsive healthcare to address physical and psychological needs.
The Challenges of Starting Over
Imagine being thrust into a new country where the language is foreign, and the customs are unfamiliar. Now, add the emotional weight of fleeing a war-torn homeland and not knowing when or if you will return.. This is the reality many Ukrainian refugees face as they attempt to build new lives in Washington State while still facing the uncertainty of their temporary refugee status in the country..
Many immigrants from Ukraine are highly educated. A significant portion of those who arrived after the dissolution of the Soviet Union speak both Ukrainian and Russian. Despite their professional qualifications, they often face difficulties in translating their professional and educational background into equivalent jobs in the U.S. Limited English proficiency, further complicating their job search and creating barriers to accessing essential services such as healthcare and education.
Svitlana Jaroszynski’s research highlights the critical need for practical information as immigrants from Ukraine adjust to life in the United States9. Many newcomers seek basic information to help orient themselves, such as navigating transportation systems, managing household finances, and understanding the U.S. school system. Additionally, they need comprehensive guidance to navigate accurate information about higher education options, college funding, and both the current and future job market, which may be entirely different from those in their home country. Understanding the retirement system is also crucial for these immigrants, ensuring they can secure a stable future from the moment they arrive.
Once they settle into their new lives, the education of their children becomes a top priority. Washington’s school system has seen a sharp increase in Ukrainian and Russian-speaking students. Between 1997 and 2002, Ukrainian student enrollment surged by 115%. However, these students are often categorized under the broader label of “white,” which overlooks their distinct linguistic and cultural needs10. Like their parents, these children adapted to life in a new country while also coping with the trauma of displacement.
This ongoing demographic shift , which has seen a large uptake in Ukrainians since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, underscores the critical need for an educational system that not only acknowledges but actively incorporates the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of its students. Schools must embrace these differences in their curricula and teaching methods to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Moving Forward: What’s Next?
Despite numerous challenges, the Ukrainian community in Washington State demonstrates remarkable resilience. Displaced by military conflict, they are not only rebuilding their lives but also contributing significantly to the state’s economic and cultural fabric. However, to truly thrive, they require additional support.
CBS News, 2023
Washington has initiated several programs providing language training, job placement, and mental health resources, which are crucial in addressing the barriers that Ukrainian refugees encounter. A forthcoming comprehensive mixed-method study “Survey of the Ukrainian Immigrants in WA State” by the Porsesh Policy Research Institute (PR) in collaboration with our community partner Nashi Immigrants Health Board is set to offer deeper insights into these challenges. This research will employ both qualitative and quantitative methods to identify and address the needs and perspectives of newcomers, focusing on eight key areas: demographics, immigration, housing, education, employment, health, and cultural integration.
With this knowledge, policymakers, local service providers and organizations will be better equipped to develop more effective strategies and programs, facilitating smoother integration and helping these new residents transition into their new home more effectively.
Interested in Learning More?
If you are interested in learning more about this project, please contact The Porsesh Policy Research Institute via email at president@prresearch.us or subscribe below to receive an invitation to the launch of the study’s findings.
References:
- UNHCR (no date) Ukraine emergency. Available at: https://www.unrefugees.org/emergencies/ukraine/ (Accessed: 12 September 2024).
- Seattle Times (2023) Why Ukrainian refugees prefer resettling in Washington state. Available at: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/data/why-ukrainian-refugees-prefer-resettling-in-washington-state/.
- CBS News, 2023. 5 States account for half of 123,962 requests to sponsor Ukrainian refugees. [online] Available at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukrainian-refugees-sponsors-5-states-applications/ .
- NBC News (2023) ‘U.S. admits more than 271,000 Ukrainian refugees since Russia’s invasion under Biden’, NBC News, 22 February. Available at: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/us-admits-271000-ukrainian-refugees-russia-invasion-biden-rcna72177).
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, 2024. Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance. [online] Available at: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/office-refugee-and-immigrant-assistance
- Wright, L., Connelly, E., Donaldson, R., Egan, C., Harding, S., & Wardle, H., 2023. Anxiety levels may be high among university students in the COVID-19 pandemic, but sources of support have been reported. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10412819/
- Hodes, M. and Hussain, N. (2020) ‘The role of family functioning in refugee child and adult mental health’, in De Haene, L. and Rousseau, C. (eds.) Working with Refugee Families: Trauma, Exile in Family Relation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 17-35.
- Rosner, R., Hagl, M., Bücheler, L. and Comtesse, H. (2022) ‘Homesickness in asylum seekers: the role of mental health and migration-related factors’, Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 1034370. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1034370.
- Jaroszynski, S., 2024. American Experience: Information Seeking Behavior of Immigrants from Russia and Ukraine with Regard to American Culture. Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies, 22(3), pp.682-696.
- Couch, S.K., 2006. Living in two worlds: a heuristic inquiry of Russian and Ukrainian immigrants and their experiences in central Washington high schools. Gonzaga University.
Contact Us
+1(206) 613-9926 | info@prresearch.us
Address: Porsesh Policy Research Institute PO Box #68338, Seatac, WA 98168
Office Hours
Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat-Sun: Closed