Refugee Congress Applauds Biden’s Action to Fulfill Promise on Refugee Admissions
Refugee Congress Applauds Biden’s Action to Fulfill Promise on Refugee Admissions
For immediate release: May 3, 2021
WASHINGTON–Refugee Congress applauds President Biden’s announcement that he will raise the refugee admissions cap this fiscal year from the record-low level set by the Trump Administration.
Earlier this year President Biden declared his intent to restore the refugee resettlement program by setting a goal of welcoming 62,500 refugees during this fiscal year - a “down payment” towards the 125,000 refugees we would welcome the following fiscal year. Despite the delays in formalizing this commitment, we welcome today’s statement, as well as last month’s commitment to eliminate the discriminating categories that disqualified many refugees most in need of protection.
“I am ecstatic to hear that President Biden heard our voices, which urged him to keep his promise of restoring the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. This work continues to hold the administration accountable,” said Lourena Gboeah, Refugee Congress Board Chairperson. “The U.S. has always been a leader in welcoming refugees, and today marks restoration.”
Under the Trump Administration, a record-low refugee admissions cap and numerous discriminatory actions significantly threatened the refugee resettlement program, despite a record-high 26 million refugees worldwide. President Biden’s commitment to raise the admissions cap from 15,000 to 62,500 is an encouraging step towards restoring welcome and undoing the significant harm caused by the previous administration.
"Refugees are lucky to have a president like Biden in whom we can put our trust to build our country together. Thank you for keeping your promises," said Lubab Al-Quraishi, Refugee Congress Delegate for New Jersey.
As resettled refugees, we know firsthand what it’s like to wait in a refugee camp, hoping for a promise fulfilled. Too many people like us, fleeing violence and persecution, have waited too long with their lives at risk.
“As the poem ‘Home’ by Warsan Shire goes, ‘you have to understand, no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land,’” said Shamail Amiri, Refugee Congress Delegate for California.
Welcoming refugees is the right thing to do - not only on humanitarian grounds but also for the betterment of our communities and economy.
“The decision to increase refugee admissions reinforces the greatness of our country,” said Heval Kelli, Refugee Congress Delegate for Georgia.
Resettled refugees represent the future of America, and our children symbolize a new generation that is diverse, compassionate, educated, innovative and civically engaged. The resettlement program is a critical cornerstone of our societal growth and future.
“We want to thank President Biden for keeping his promise and welcoming refugees. Now our work continues to make sure refugees are welcomed, integrated and resettled well in the United States,” said Basma Alawee, Refugee Congress Honorary Delegate from Florida.
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Refugee Congress is a nonpartisan advocacy organization built and led by former refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable migrants to promote the well-being, integration and dignity of all vulnerable migrants. With delegates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, we use our voices and experiences to inform and influence decision-makers on critical domestic and international issues that affect our communities.
MEDIA CONTACT: (202) 905-6238, media@refugeecongress.org
