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The US government expressed its intention to increase the number of refugees received in the next fiscal year, a move welcomed by advocates.
The Biden administration has stated that it plans to double the refugee admission limit for the next fiscal year in the United States, and reiterated its commitment to support the resettlement plan. That was ruined By former President Donald Trump.
The State Council announced on Monday that the government submitted a report to Congress recommending that the limit be increased from 62,500 to 125,000 for the next fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2021.
State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement: “As the world faces unprecedented global displacement and humanitarian needs, the United States is committed to providing protection and promoting durable solutions to humanitarian crises, including for the most vulnerable. Provide resettlement.”.
The move is planned in Washington Place thousands of people Afghans who fled their country after the Taliban took over last month. Since as many as 40,000 Afghans have been brought to the United States under various identities, it is not clear how many will be officially admitted to the refugee system.
President Joe Biden faced criticism earlier this year Delay Pledged to raise the enrollment ceiling in 2021 from the historical low of 15,000 set by his predecessor Trump.But in May the Biden administration Raised the limit To 62,500.
Nevertheless, it is expected that by the end of this fiscal year, the United States will still resettle 12,500 refugees. State Council – Part of the reason is the COVID-19 pandemic.
When raising the 2021 cap, Biden admitted that it would be difficult to relocate the maximum number of people allowed. He also lowered his expectations for the next fiscal year, saying it “will still be difficult to reach” the upper limit of 125,000.
Biden said in a May statement: “We may not succeed in the first year.” “But we will use all available tools to help these fully vetted refugees escape the terrible environment of their home country.”
The President sets the refugee ceiling, but Congress is responsible for allocating the budget, which includes resources for resettlement programs. On Monday, the State Department said it would consult with legislators on the proposed refugee ceiling.
“The Hope of Refugees”
Senior Democratic Senator Dick Durbin (Dick Durbin) praised the move.
Durbin wrote on Twitter: “Although I am disappointed with the estimated number of refugees to be admitted this fiscal year, I admit that the Biden administration has inherited challenges in the U.S. refugee admission plan due to the anti-immigration actions of the previous administration.”
“Faced with the biggest refugee crisis of our time, I know that the Biden administration is working hard to restore the United States’ long-standing bipartisan tradition of providing security for the world’s most vulnerable refugees, including Afghan refugees.”
Church World Service (CWS), a non-governmental organization helping refugees resettle, also praised the US government’s decision.
Erol Kekic, senior vice president of CWS, said in a statement: “Today, we celebrate the return of ethical leadership and our country’s commitment to welcome and generosity.” “There is finally hope for security. Refugees, including Afghans in imminent danger and thousands of families waiting to be reunited.”
Some advocacy groups, including Oxfam and HIAS, have pushed to increase the cap to 200,000 to accommodate the Afghan crisis. On Monday, HIAS called on the government and Congress to rebuild and fully fund the US refugee resettlement program.
“We must not forget that this includes ensuring that newly arrived Afghans must also receive the same services as refugees admitted through the resettlement program,” Naomi Steinberg, vice president of policy and advocacy at HIAS, said in a statement.
“They must also be able to become lawful permanent residents and eventually become U.S. citizens, just like people admitted as refugees.”
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