Some Ukrainian and Russian seafarers are being denied entry to US, possibly over concerns they'll overstay visas to avoid going home, industry groups say

According to shipping industry groups, Russian and Ukrainian seafarers with valid US visas have been denied entry at some US ports.

Kathy J. Metcalf, the president and CEO of the Chamber of Shipping of America, told Insider that crew members have been denied entry at ports that include the Port of Morehead City in North Carolina, Port Canaveral in Florida, Port of New Orleans, and multiple ports in Texas.

Customs and Border Protection officials are concerned that the seafarers may not actually go to the airport to catch their flight home and could disappear into the US, so they are turning them away.

The Chamber of Shipping of America, which represents owners and operators of US-based vessels, was among a number of industry groups that sent a letter to Biden administration officials this week expressing concerns over the Ukrainian and Russian crew members who have been denied entry.

Some field offices are prohibiting the disembarkation of Russian and Ukrainian crew members even if they have valid US visas. This is creating confusion for these individuals and operational challenges for the shipping community, according to a letter obtained by Insider.

The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the letter.

The letter asked for guidance from the field offices of the Customs and Border Protection on how to process Russians and Ukrainians in the US. Other signees of the letter include the International Chamber of Shipping and the World Shipping Council.

The letter was sent to Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and Janet Yellen, the Secretary of Treasury, as it expressed concerns about the impact of sanctions on ships with crew members from the two areas.

Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of the Treasury did not respond to Insider's requests for comment.

According to the International Chamber of Shipping, Ukrainians and Russians account for 4.5% and 10.5% of the global seafaring workforce.

Ukrainian and Russian sailors are being denied entry because it blocks them from disembarking and thus prevents the ships from being able to conduct regular crew changes, which is important to ensure safety and that crews are properly rested.

She said that if people have reason to believe that they will try to overstay their visa and remain in the US, the Customs and Border Protection has the authority to block entry.

It is not consistent across the US board. If it is a Russian on a ship in Port Arthur, Texas, versus a Russian on a ship in New York, what is the difference?

Even if we disagree with the decision, we need to know what it is so we can plan accordingly.

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