Biden Aims for 125,000 Refugees Next Year, Internal Report Indicates – Reuters

By Ted Hesson

The Biden administration is set to maintain its goal of accepting 125,000 refugees in the upcoming year, as indicated by an internal report that has been reviewed. This move suggests that refugee admissions are poised to increase, particularly if Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, secures a victory in the next presidential election.

According to the document, the administration is on track to welcome around 100,000 individuals through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program during the fiscal year 2024, which concludes on September 30. If achieved, this would mark the highest level of refugee admissions in thirty years.

Immigration remains a significant concern for voters ahead of the November 5 elections, where Harris, representing the Democratic Party, will be facing off against former President Donald Trump. During his administration from 2017 to 2021, Trump dramatically reduced the number of refugees admitted to the United States and has promised to implement extensive immigration reforms if he is re-elected.

The State Department has expressed its alignment with Biden’s vision for a refugee resettlement program that showcases the values and generosity of the United States, although it refrained from commenting on the specifics of the forthcoming year’s plan.

Typically, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is designed for individuals outside their home countries who face persecution due to factors such as race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political beliefs. Applicants must be located outside of the United States to qualify.

Biden initially set a target of 125,000 refugee admissions for the fiscal year 2022, an ambitious goal that has yet to be fully realized, even with ongoing increases in refugee processing efforts.

Additionally, the Biden administration has made strides in increasing refugee admissions from Latin America as part of a broader strategy aimed at creating more legal avenues for those facing significant displacement in the region.

In light of the growing global refugee crisis, Refugee Council USA, a coalition of humanitarian organizations, urged the Biden administration in August to raise the refugee target for fiscal 2025 to at least 135,000.