Watertown, South Dakota — A family from Mariupol, Ukraine, has lived in Watertown for the past two years but was suddenly informed that they must leave the nation in less than a month.
Ilona and Valerii Biliaze and their three children currently live a calm life, but this was not the case a few years ago, when war broke out in Ukraine.
“After the war, we had to move because it was not safe,” Ilona and Valerii’s daughter, Dominika Biliaze, explained.
The United for Ukraine program helped the family relocate to Watertown after many moves.
“The United for Ukraine program allows them to live in the United States for a two-year humanitarian parole,” the Biliaze’s sponsor, Susan Buhler, explained.
Buhler and her husband housed the Biliazes until they could rent their own home. During their time in Watertown, Valerii worked in construction and Ilona gave birth to a son.
“I’ve never encountered a family who loves their children as much as this one. “They give them everything,” Buhler explained.
“This is good for my children. “A good school with good people,” Ilona Biliaze stated.
However, the family must depart by August 17, and several attempts to seek for asylum have been denied.
“To be awarded refuge, many people do not grasp all of the legalities involved. You must dread persecution in your home country, and in this instance, they do not fear Ukraine. “They clearly fear Russia,” Buhler stated.
They also fear they won’t have a place to return to.
“Russia now occupies one-fourth of Ukraine, where they used to live. “They have no home to return to,” Buhler remarked.
Another reason the family wishes to stay in Watertown is that they believe the community has supported them throughout their journey.
“We want to stay here and live the life we enjoy,” Valerii Biliaze remarked.
However, the family currently does not have a plan in place if they are unable to stay here, and they have less than a month to come up with one.
The family hopes to share their tale and is seeking advice on next steps. To learn more about how you can help the family.
