News Summary
The Tryukhan family, displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is rebuilding their life in Knoxville, Tennessee. After escaping Kyiv, mother Julie and her two children have settled into the community. Despite a supportive environment and the children’s success in school, they face uncertainties regarding their immigration status, which complicates their future in the U.S. With the increasing number of Ukrainian refugees arriving in East Tennessee, organizations are stepping up to provide essential assistance during these challenging times.
Knoxville – A Ukrainian family is navigating the challenges of rebuilding their life in Knoxville after being uprooted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Julie Tryukhan, a mother of two, fled Kyiv in early 2022 with her children, 4-year-old Polly and 6-year-old Marc. Their journey involved taking shelter in the basement of their apartment during bombings, followed by a challenging escape on foot, by train, and on a plane that ultimately brought them to Knoxville, where Julie previously lived as a high school exchange student.
The Tryukhan family arrived in the United States through a government-sponsored immigration program, allowing them legal entry into the country. Since relocating, Julie has worked full-time as a human resources analyst and has become an active member of the community. Her children are thriving in their new environment, making friends, excelling in school, and learning English quickly. However, despite these positive developments, the family is grappling with the absence of their father, Deema, who remained in Ukraine to fight and is currently unable to secure a visa to join them.
As they settle into their new lives, the uncertainty of their immigration status looms large. The Tryukhan family’s temporary visas are still pending, and they were not selected in the recent lottery for green cards. This situation complicates their ability to remain in the United States and has left them feeling anxious about their future. Julie has expressed that the possibility of relocating to Canada or Europe may become necessary if their U.S. residency cannot be secured, highlighting the ongoing difficulties they face regarding immigration.
Currently, there is a surge in Ukrainian refugees arriving in East Tennessee, with reports indicating over 90 newcomers in the area. Organizations like Bridge Refugee Services are vital in providing essential assistance to these families. They offer programs that include English language classes, job placement assistance, and access to public benefits, helping refugees acclimate to life in America.
Refugees are arriving through various programs, including the United for Ukraine initiative and humanitarian parole via the Mexico border. Many are facing complications due to a lack of proper documentation, which can restrict their access to basic needs like housing and childcare. As the number of Ukrainian refugees grows, the call for volunteers to assist in the acclimation process becomes increasingly urgent.
Bridge Refugee Services has launched initiatives to support new arrivals, such as creating an Amazon Wishlist to provide necessary items for families in need. This effort is part of a larger mission to assist refugees in successfully transitioning into their new surroundings and to foster a sense of community as they rebuild their lives.
As the Tryukhan family navigates their uncertain future in Knoxville, Julie is hopeful that they will eventually reunite with Deema, the family member they miss the most. For her, the definition of home goes beyond physical shelter; it is rooted in the relationships and connections formed with loved ones. Julie’s resilience and determination underscore the journey of many refugees who seek safety and stability in the aftermath of conflict.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Knoxville Housing Crisis Amid Rapid Development
Knoxville Welcomes Ukrainian Refugee Family Amid Uncertainty
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Ukrainian Family’s New Start in Tennessee
- Wikipedia: Ukrainian Refugees
- WATE: East Tennessee Church Collecting Donations for Ukrainian Refugees
- Google Search: Ukrainian Refugees Tennessee
- Rhea Herald News: Ukrainian Refugees Arriving
- Google Scholar: Ukrainian Refugees in US
- Stacker: Where Refugees in Tennessee Are Arriving
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Refugee
- WBIR: How to Help Ukrainian Refugees in East Tennessee
- Google News: Ukrainian Refugee Assistance
