OMAHA, Neb. —

As the war in Ukraine rages on, Ukrainian refugees in Nebraska wonder what their future holds.

At least a few hundred people celebrated the country's independence day at a park in Elkhorn on Sunday. It marked the 34th anniversary of Ukraine declaring its independence from the Soviet Union.

For many, it's the third time they've spent the holiday in the U.S. after fleeing the war.

Now some have seen their work permits lapse, including Alex Halanin. He says he hasn't received word on paperwork he filed back in February. Because of the permit's expiration, he was forced to leave his job at Kawasaki in Lincoln last week.

His lawyers say he's free to stay in the U.S., but he can't work, and he's wondering how he'll pay the bills.

"We're trying to fill in some of the gaps and

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