When Russia invaded Ukraine 13 months ago, refugees started streaming out of the country to neighboring nations and as far as the United States.
In the weeks following the invasion, hundreds of Ukrainians were being allowed to enter the U.S. through PedWest, one of two pedestrian crossings between San Diego and Tijuana as the U.S. handed out Humanitarian Parole visas to the refugees.
By April 25, close to 18,000 Ukrainian migrants had taken this route. In all, about 25,000 Ukrainians made their way into the U.S. last year, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Their visas were set to expire in the coming weeks, but the U.S. federal government decided to extend them for another 12 months.
