Refugees International Urges the Biden Administration to Deliver on Its Promise to Rebuild Refugee Resettlement in 2023

Please see below statement from Refugees International:

“Today, President Biden sent Congress his report on 2023 refugee admission goals. Refugees International commends the administration for prioritizing new populations of concern for resettlement, such as Eritrean refugees affected by conflict in Ethiopia. But more must be done to rebuild the U.S. refugee resettlement program. Refugees International acknowledges the significant resources from the government, resettlement agencies, and other organizations devoted to the Operations Allies Welcome effort in Fiscal Year 2022. But the refugee resettlement numbers for this year, at less than 25,000 refugees out of the 125,000 cap, represent a significant missed opportunity.

We urge the administration to expand refugee resettlement for vulnerable populations, including Afghans, Haitians, and other groups the administration previously identified as needing protection pathways. As outlined in a letter sent to the White House, the administration should also prioritize refugees impacted by climate change for resettlement. The newly announced multilateral resettlement platform and private sponsorship program must be part of a true effort by the Biden administration to assume and expand—rather than shift and avoid—responsibility to support refugees in ways that are robust, equitable, and center their interests. We hope that the announced expansion of organizations participating in the Reception and Placement program will include refugee-led organizations.” 

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Refugees International’s Communications and Design Manager Aviva Shwayder at aviva@refintl.org.

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Banner Photo Caption: Picture of the White House. Joseph Sohm-Visions of America/Getty Images.