Washington, DC – In response to today’s announcement that the Biden Administration will not lift his predecessor’s historically low cap of 15,000 refugees for this year, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) President Wendy Young issued the following statement:
“As a candidate, President Biden pledged to raise the refugee cap for the next fiscal year to 125,000 and said he would ‘make a significant down payment’ on that this year. Today’s announcement fails to live up to that promise and is deeply disappointing. KIND recognizes that the gutted immigration system inherited by the current administration poses significant challenges, but the need to restore – and in some cases completely reestablish – these vital systems cannot be used as an excuse to sidestep America’s longtime commitment to protecting refugees fleeing for their lives. As evidenced by the administration’s decision to allow unaccompanied children into the United States instead of sending them back into harm’s way, our nation is at its best when it honors its commitments and seeks solutions instead of setbacks. We urge the administration to reconsider this decision and to make good on its promise to restore the United States as a beacon of hope for all seeking a safer future.”
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Media Contact: Megan McKenna, mmckenna@supportkind.org, 202-631-9990