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Assembly urges federal pathway to permanent residency for Ukrainian refugees, adds Russians by amendment
Summary
After extensive public testimony from Ukrainian families and service providers, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly passed Resolution 25-046, urging federal action to create a permanent residency pathway; the Assembly amended the resolution to add Russians and approved it without roll-call dissent.
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly on April 15 adopted a resolution urging federal lawmakers to create a permanent pathway to residency for people here through the Uniting for Ukraine and related parole programs, responding to pleas from Ukrainian families living in the borough.
The resolution (25-046) passed after the Assembly accepted an amendment to add the words “and Russians” in multiple clauses so the text would explicitly reference both Ukrainians and Russians seeking similar relief. Assemblymember Dimitry Fonoff moved the resolution and led the amendment process.
The measure followed nearly an hour of public testimony from people who arrived under Uniting for Ukraine and staff who work with them. Larissa Fonop, a case manager who described working directly with Ukrainian families in the borough, urged the Assembly to “stand with us in support of a permanent pathway forward.” Several families and community organizations described rapid integration into local schools and jobs and said their legal status remains temporary and uncertain.
Zoria Ponesiewicz, director of the nonprofit New Chance, told the Assembly the group’s clients in the state have paid an estimated $2 million in income taxes and asked the borough’s endorsement to strengthen the message to federal officials. Laura Anderson, librarian and director of resources for the Wasilla Workforce Development Initiative, said the program placed dozens of refugees in jobs and helped others start businesses.
Assembly members framed the resolution as primarily symbolic but useful in sending a message to federal lawmakers. Assemblymember Fonoff said the measure was intended to give “a strong clear message, not only to Washington, D.C., but also to the families here behind me.” Several members called the testimonies heartfelt and urged colleagues to support the resolution.
The Assembly approved the amended resolution by voice vote after a brief discussion. The text as adopted requests congressional and executive action to provide a path to permanent residency for eligible families who have arrived under humanitarian parole and related programs.
The resolution does not create any local program or alter borough services; it is a formal statement to federal elected officials and executive agencies.
Community members who testified said they intend to share the Assembly’s action with congressional staff and local advocates as they pursue legislative solutions.
