Sen. Heinrich meets with Ukrainian refugees living in Farmington

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) met with Ukrainian families Thursday living in Farmington who fled their country following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.“In New Mexico, we know that how we treat refugees and asylum seekers shows the world our true American values. Today’s visit conveyed just how seriously New Mexicans take that commitment,” Heinrich said. “I’m so grateful to those here in Farmington for their unwavering support for these families who have fled unthinkable violence in their home country of Ukraine. The bravery of Ukrainian families, here and in their home country, is a reminder that freedom and democracy are always worth fighting for.”During the visit, Heinrich expressed the need for additional aid to Ukraine, which he continues to push for in the United States Senate.“With Putin’s aggression intensifying, Ukraine urgently needs our aid. The United States must deliver,” Heinrich said. “For our national security, our allies, and freedom, the Senate needs to act now, and I won’t let up on this fight.”Heinrich, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has worked to provide vital aid to allies in Ukraine in their fight for freedom. He remains an advocate for Ukrainian refugees seeking asylum in the United States.Soon after Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Heinrich, alongside a number of his colleagues, wrote to President Biden urging the administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Ukrainians in the United States. Following this letter, the administration heeded the lawmakers’ calls, effectively offering safety and protection for Ukrainian families in the United States unable to return home.Last month, Heinrich slammed Republicans’ refusal to advance crucial funding to Ukraine. Heinrich released this statement after Senate Republicans voted against advancing a supplemental package that provides crucial aid to U.S. allies and protects national security.“For weeks, Democrats have worked in good faith to pass security supplemental funding to provide urgently needed aid to our allies in Ukraine. Republicans chose to block this funding today, playing directly into Putin’s hands. Failing to pass this funding bill hurts our national security and emboldens our adversaries—signaling to the rest of the world that America is not up to the task of protecting democracy abroad. We cannot let this be the last of it.”