Exact numbers of Ukrainian immigrants in the US are difficult to determine as immigration authorities often used labels such as “CarpathoRussian” or “Galician” to describe Ukrainians. The official number is about 250,000, but the real number may be double this. Many Ukrainians fled to the US during the Russian Civil War (1918–21).

Unlike some other Slavic Americans, the Ukrainians have maintained a fairly strong ethnic identity; many people are proud to identify themselves as being of Ukrainian descent, even if it is mixed with that of other groups. A number of cultural and political organizations have been formed: the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America represents Ukrainian political interests; and the Washington Group (established in 1984) informs the public about issues of concern to Ukrainian Americans.