New York City–– Voice For Refuge calls on President Biden and his administration to sign the Emergency Fiscal Year 2021 Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions to immediately increase the refugee admissions ceiling to 65,500 for the remainder of FY21. Biden has committed to increasing refugee admissions to 125,000 for FY22. Yet to date the president has not yet signed the authorization to increase refugee admissions this fiscal year, despite announcing the increase and holding the required consultations with Congress. With this continued delay, those who have scheduled trips to the United States will see their cases further delayed, potentially endangering the lives of vulnerable refugees. Voice for Refuge Executive Director Erol Kekic issued the following statement:
“We endorsed President Biden on his promise to restore and rebuild the life-saving refugee resettlement program–yet weeks after he committed to increasing admissions, Biden’s inaction is dashing the hopes of refugee families as flights of their loved ones are cancelled. Across the country, refugee families and American communities have waited years for the promises of this administration to be fulfilled. Each day that passes without a revised refugee admissions goal jeopardizes the travel of dozens of refugees in desperate need of safety. We supported President Biden as a candidate who promised change — it’s time to act on it, and there is not a moment to lose.”
About Voice for Refuge: Voice for Refuge is the first 501(c)4 organization created to advance pro-refugee policies at the national, state, and local level and to hold elected leaders accountable to upholding America’s legacy of welcome. Voice for Refuge is educating the public about the benefits of refugee resettlement, advocating for pro-refugee policies in the U.S. Congress and state legislatures, and increasing civic engagement among refugees through non-partisan voter education. Voice for Refuge will also promote the representation of refugees in government by supporting former refugees and pro-refugee candidates running for office at the national, state, and local level. For more information or to get involved visit voiceforrefuge.org or contact info@voiceforrefuge.org.
