HIAS Calls for Refugee Admissions Reforms to Meet Administration’s Robust Goal

SILVER SPRING, Md – HIAS welcomes the announcement that the Biden administration has set the refugee admissions ceiling for Fiscal Year 2023 at 125,000. Last year’s Presidential Determination also set a goal of 125,000 for FY22.

“While HIAS has advocated for a higher target of 200,000 for refugee admissions in FY23, we commend President Biden for maintaining a robust goal for the coming year – one of a number of important steps the administration has taken to rebuild the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, which helps people facing persecution and violence around the world to find safety in this country,” said Melanie Nezer, HIAS’ Senior Vice President for Global Public Affairs. “We are encouraged by the U.S. government’s objectives, including a planned pilot program to expand private sponsorship of refugees.”

“At the same time,” Nezer said, “we must acknowledge that this year’s goal was also set for 125,000, but by the end of August, the U.S. had settled fewer than 20,000. That makes it clear just how much work must be done to get USRAP back on its feet, and that is why we are renewing our calls for program reforms so that we can meet the administration’s target in the coming year.”

“A strong U.S. refugee resettlement program is an expression of our core American values,” Nezer continued. “Throughout the program’s 40-year history, resettled refugees have had an outsized, positive impact on our economy and our communities. In the midst of the worst global displacement crisis in world history, the U.S. must take immediate action to reclaim its position as a leader in refugee resettlement.”

HIAS also continues to call on Congress to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act introduced in the House and the Senate with strong bipartisan support. The legislation would provide pathways for Afghans evacuated to the U.S. to remain in the U.S. after their humanitarian parole status expires.

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