Refugee Cap for FY2022 Set at 125,000

SILVER SPRING, Md. — President Biden today raised the number of refugees to be admitted to the U.S. this fiscal year to 125,000.

The annual refugee admissions cap — also called the Presidential Determination, or PD — fell to historic lows under the previous administration. Although President Biden increased the PD from 15,000 to 62,500 in May, the United States welcomed only 11,411 refugees during Fiscal Year 2021, a record low. Now, Biden has fulfilled a promise to significantly raise the cap and consulted with Congress to achieve the goal. A PD more in line with the historical average of 95,000 is a step toward repairing the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and restoring U.S. humanitarian values and leadership, HIAS officials said.

“President Biden has done what is right and what is needed now,” said Melanie Nezer, HIAS’ senior vice president of public affairs. “Despite our complicated and often contradictory approach throughout our history, the United States has a track record of great success in welcoming refugees. We hope this is a new beginning for our humanitarian leadership in the world and a recognition of the enormous benefit refugees and immigrants are to our country.”

Welcoming more refugees to the U.S. will give tens of thousands of people the chance to build new lives in safety and freedom. It will also revive the community-based organizations that help refugees integrate successfully into their new communities, Nezer said.

HIAS is also asking that Congress commit to ensuring that the U.S. resettlement program is fully funded.

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