Statement Congratulating President-Elect Joe Biden

SILVER SPRING, Md. — HIAS, the global Jewish nonprofit that protects refugees, today congratulates President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President elect Kamala Harris.

With this historic election, we know that the United States will reaffirm its long-standing commitment to protecting refugees. In response to the announcement of the election result, HIAS President and CEO Mark Hetfield issued the following statement:

“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris understand America’s role in the world and the need for governments to work together to find solutions for the plight of refugees. We are proud to be on the cusp of a new and hopeful time in the country’s relationship with refugees, and regaining America’s place as a leader in the world for human rights. 

“President-elect Biden has a proven track record of standing for refugees. He co-sponsored The Refugee Act of 1980, which codified our refugee resettlement program and asylum system. He has pledged to return to normal and resettle 125,000 refugees a year in our country; to end the harmful Remain in Mexico policy that has stranded thousands of people at our Southern border; and to reunite the 545 children still separated from their parents as a result of the current administration's practice of taking children — including babies and toddlers — from their asylum-seeking parents.

“HIAS feels like our work can soon begin anew, and we have our work cut out for us. The damage done to our country’s refugee resettlement program and asylum system over the past four years is substantial, but not irreparable. We look forward to working with Joe Biden and his administration to restore America’s leadership in helping people who seek safety and freedom.”

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