The Biden Administration recently raised the refugee admissions cap in the United States to 62,500, which, even though that number seems low, it’s a significant increase from the previous administration’s admissions allowance of just 15,000 (which seems unsettling compared to the highest number in 1980 of 200,000).
The refugee resettlement program will help save tens of thousands of lives and Biden’s decisions sends a message to the rest of the world that the US is supportive and here to help the global refugee crisis. There are more than 80 million refugees and displaced people worldwide, and nearly 90 percent reside in low to mid-income countries, so hopefully the decision to raise the cap in the US will allow other countries to see that we’re taking the refugee crisis seriously and that we stand behind them in solidarity.
While we know what raising the admissions cap means for so many people, and are extremely grateful for Biden’s pledge, we believe that number could be even higher annually. USA for UNHCR has started a petition to support drastically increasing refugee admissions in the US. Sadl,y we as a country have not adapted to the growing need to help refugees in the last few decades, having steadily lowered our admissions amount every year.
We need to act and take action now. Please, if you can, click here to sign the petition and add your name to show your support in renewing the United States’ commitment to refugees by greatly increasing its annual refugee admissions.
Every little bit helps and together, we can all make a difference in the lives of many.
Thank you so much, friends!!!
(photo by Arielle Moncure and info via USA for UNHCR)