As the Biden Administration’s increased refugee admissions cap goes into effect today, CARE urges U.S. leadership to ensure this promise of refuge reaches its full potential.
The goal to admit 125,000 refugees is an important but symbolic commitment that cannot be fulfilled unless it is bolstered with critically needed resources and capacity building for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Strengthening USRAP will ensure the U.S. is adequately equipped to process and welcome no fewer than 125,000 refugees who are waiting for a lasting solution to their displacement.
And yet, for every person who can now resettle in the U.S., many more are waiting in the wings as global forced displacement surpasses 82 million people. The U.S. can and must do more. We hope the increased refugee admissions cap is just the first step to a U.S. refugee resettlement program that is in step with pressing humanitarian needs.
Resettlement is a critical tool for the U.S. to demonstrate its humanitarian leadership and global solidarity in response to the growing and unparalleled crises and displacement — from Afghanistan to Haiti and all around the world. In complement to this, we urge the U.S. to prioritize diplomatic solutions to resolve the conflicts and crises that force people to flee their homes, ramp up support for people on the move, and promote and practice adherence to international law to ensure the protection and rights of all displaced communities are safeguarded, including at our own border.
For More Information Contact:
Rachel Kent
CARE Senior Press Officer
Rachel.Kent@care.org