Ukrainian Youth Who Fled Parents to Stay in U.S. Turns 18

Walter Polovchak, the Ukrainian youngster who ran away from his parents six years ago rather than return to the Soviet Union, turned 18 today, giving him legal status assuring that he will never have to leave the United States against his will.

Polovchak plans to file for U.S. citizenship soon, his lawyer said. Walter, who lives with his sister in Chicago and attends public high school, said he received a telegram from his parents, Michael and Anna Polovchak, that said: “Happy birthday. Wish you the best.”