Ivan Gant’s Journey to the USA: Adaptation, Challenges, and New Opportunities 


Our very first OIRS/UHP client, Ivan Gant, sat down with us recently to reflect on his journey to LA from Ukraine. 

ORR Initial Resettlement Services (OIRS) was initially created for Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees (UHPs). OIRS, is an ORR-funded IRC Preferred Communities program that provides initial resettlement services. Services include referrals for the following: housing assistance, employment services, health screenings and vaccinations, medical services and emotional wellness services. Also included are public benefits enrollment, referrals to English classes, school enrollment for children, and direct financial assistance. 

Since the opening of the program in Fiscal Year 2022, our team has served over 2000 individuals and over 800 families - the most in IRC’s RAI network.

In FY2024, the UHP/OIRS team enrolled and served 233 families, 420 clients total.

From the difficulties he faced with language barriers and housing conflicts, to how the IRC was able to support him through it all-- this is Ivan's story.

Moving: Waiting, Uncertainty, and a Fresh Start

The decision to leave was not easy. The war forced me to choose: stay in unstable conditions or seek a chance to start over. I chose the latter. 

The process of finding a sponsor through the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program took six months. Long periods of waiting, dozens of messages to strangers, and a constant sense of uncertainty were mentally exhausting. But in the end, I received confirmation, gathered my documents, and flew to the United States. 

My flight from Germany landed in Los Angeles. I had to spend three hours in line at passport control. During this time, I fully realized that ahead of me was a completely new life. When the officer checked my documents and said, “Welcome to the USA” I felt relieved—but along with that, anxiety crept in: What now? 

The first hours in America brought an unexpected problem: my suitcase was missing. The worst scenarios immediately ran through my head—it contained all my belongings. Later, I found out it had been sent to a storage facility. I was able to retrieve it only two days later. This was my first lesson: here, you have to rely only on yourself, not expect explanations, and take the initiative to find solutions. 

First Housing and Language Barrier 

Since I didn’t know anyone in the city, I stayed in a hostel for the first few months. My roommates were Americans, Africans, and Spanish speakers. The atmosphere was friendly, but for me, the first few days were stressful. 

I was confident in my English skills. But when I tried to speak, I realized I didn’t understand my conversation partners, and they didn’t understand me. Their speech was fast, with different accents, and the informal vocabulary was completely different from what I had learned. At first, I tried to speak as little as possible, but I quickly realized that was a dead end. To adapt, I just had to speak—making mistakes, pausing, but not being afraid. 

Over three months in the hostel, my English improved significantly. But more importantly, I got used to the new environment and started feeling like I could be part of this society. 

Help from IRC: When Support Truly Matters 

A few weeks after arriving, I learned about the International Rescue Committee (IRC)—an organization that helps immigrants. Someone recommended that I reach out, and it turned out to be the right decision. 

At the office, I was met by Lusine, my caseworker. She asked me a few questions, helped me navigate the paperwork, and explained the available financial assistance options. This was the first official support I received after my arrival. 

But what surprised me the most was something else. At the IRC, they simply gave me a bicycle. For some, this might seem insignificant, but for me, it was a real tool for independence. Now I could get to the places I needed, look for work, and go to the store without spending money on transportation. 

Job and Housing Search: The First Steps Toward Stability 

I searched for jobs in Telegram and Facebook groups such as Russians in Los Angeles, Armenians in Los Angeles, and Jews in Los Angeles. These groups posted job openings, advice, and housing offers. 

Finding housing was more difficult. Almost everywhere, landlords required a credit history, which I didn’t have. However, through social networks, I found a room for rent without these requirements. That was a crucial moment—finally, I had my own space, a place where I could relax after a long day. 

 

Adaptation: What Was the Hardest Part? 

My cultural integration to the U.S. turned out to be easier than I had expected, as I already had experience living in a big city. However, there were still challenges, especially with finding housing. Without a credit history, renting seemed nearly impossible, but again, through Telegram and Facebook, I found options even in these circumstances. 

Everyday life in the U.S. required some adjustments. Many processes, from opening a bank account to signing up for services, were structured differently than what I was used to. Over time, I learned how things worked and adapted to the new system. 

Plans for the Future 

Now, I feel much more confident. I am a professional actor, DJ (house music), and event host. In the past, I had dreams, but the war forced me to reevaluate them. 

My goal now is not just to succeed but to learn how to build a life from scratch. I want to work, grow, and find my place here. 

I dream of starring in a leading role in a Quentin Tarantino or Martin Scorsese film, directing my own movie, and performing on the biggest DJ festival stages in Miami and California! 

I don’t know what my path will look like, but I do know one thing—there is no turning back. 

It’s hard to say where I will be in a year, but one thing is certain—I am not going to stop. 

Advice for Those Who Have Just Arrived 

If you have just arrived, here are a few things I’ve learned: 

The most important thing—keep moving forward. Everything changes if you are ready to change your life.