US Immigration from Wales

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-for-april-2023.html

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/18/biden-administration-russia-deportations

The Biden administration has quietly resumed deportations to Russia, an apparent reversal of the position adopted after Russia invaded Ukraine just over a year ago, when such removals were suspended, the Guardian has learned.

Immigration advocates were taken by surprise when a young Russian man, who came to the US fleeing Vladimir Putin s efforts to mobilize citizens to fight in Ukraine, was abruptly deported at the weekend from the US back to Russia.

He was among several Russian asylum seekers, many of whom have made their way to the US in the last year, who are now terrified the US government will return them to Russia where they could face prison or be sent rapidly to the frontline, where Russia has seen tens of thousands of casualties.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) remains committed to enforcing immigration laws humanely, effectively and with professionalism. Ice facilitates the transfer and removal of non-citizens via commercial airlines and chartered flights in support of mission requirements, the federal agency said this week, adding: Ice conducts removals to countries, including Russia, in accordance with country removal guidelines.

News of resumed deportations to Russia came just over a year after reports that the Biden administration had suspended deportation flights to Russia, Ukraine and seven other countries in Europe during Russia s attack on Ukraine. It is unclear when deportations to Russia resumed. The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

https://www.uscis.gov/CHNV

Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans

Generally you cannot not sponsor a tourist visa but I have seen a few cases now where people have used this program for friends and relatives to visit.

Some of the advantages:

• No application fee
• No Consulate Interview
• Visit is up to 2 years not 6 months or possibly less
• Allows you to work etc if you want to
• No risk of application being denied for immigrant intent etc
• Depending where you are visiting you may qualify for benefits such as free healthcare etc
• May be quicker to obtain

https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/20/americas/russian-migrants-mexico-united-states-intl-latam/index.html

Fearing Mikhail would be drafted, jailed or worse, the family decided to flee, embarking on a multi-country odyssey with their newborn, Philip, and toddler, Mark, that would take them through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Dubai, Mexico and ultimately to the United States all with the help of strangers.

They would become part of a vast wave of Russians seeking shelter from the war in the United States. Over the past six months, data posted by American border authorities shows that the number of Russian citizens they have encountered has nearly tripled: from 1,645 Russians in August 2022 (the month before Russia s draft began) to 4,509 in January.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/20/us-state-department-new-refugee-program-welcome-corps?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Another news thread suggested it would not be that many and will of course take time to ramp up