Women’s Refugee Commission Deeply Disturbed by Biden Decision on Refugee Resettlement

Today President Joe Biden signed an emergency determination keeping the Trump-era cap on refugee resettlement in place — at an historical low of 15,000. Biden had indicated — while on the campaign trail — that he would consider raising the cap and had, after taking office, signaled to Congress an intention to resettle 62,500 refugees, a number strongly supported by some Congressional Democrats. News sources are citing administration concerns with politics surrounding the number of families and children seeking safety at the U.S. border with Mexico as a reason for today’s presidential action.

In response to today’s action, Sarah Costa, executive director of the Women’s Refugee Commission, issued the following statement:

“Today’s action backtracks on the Biden administration’s promise to restore humanity to our nation’s immigration policies. The United States has long been a global leader in resettling those displaced and in need of safety, a role this administration pledged to revive. The Biden administration maintaining a record low number of refugees, rather than aspiring to lead in providing safety for so many displaced people around the world, leaves us deeply disappointed.

“Moreover, it is disingenuous to try to justify the administration’s choice as necessary due to the number of families and children who are also legally seeking safety at our borders. The United States has more than enough resources to manage both the resettlement of those awaiting to come here while still welcoming with dignity those who travel to the U.S. border and seek asylum. We can, and should, set an example for the world in leading on both.

“The Trump-era cap was a direct attack on refugees around the world. Trump’s policies were never based on capacity or national best interest. It was based on hateful ideology and pandering to his political base. President Biden’s decision to stand by Trump’s numbers betrays refugees around the world, as well as his own campaign promises. It is the antithesis of building back better.”