President Biden announced a plan to raise the country’s refugee cap from 15,000 to more than 62,500. On May 1, 2021, Biden said this increase “erases the historically low number set by the previous administration of 15,000, which did not reflect America’s values as a nation that welcomes and supports refugees.”
Biden’s announcement provided:
• 22,000 spots for refugees from Africa
• 6,000 from East Asia
• 4,000 from Europe and Central Asia
• 5,000 from Latin America and the Caribbean
• 13,000 from South Asia
• 12,500 unallocated spots will also be available
Reuters reports that “Biden said it was doubtful the United States would be able to welcome a total of 62,500 refugees by the end of the current fiscal year on Sept. 30, or reach a goal of 125,000 admissions next year” due to budget and staffing cuts made during the Trump administration.
After coming into office, the Biden administration pledged to allow 125,000 refugees to come to the United States and “restore our asylum laws so that they do what they should be designed to do–protect people fleeing persecution and who cannot return home safely.”
The Trump administration implemented a series of changes to U.S. refugee programs during his term in office, and Biden officials say the cuts have made quickly raising admissions more difficult.
Chicago Immigration Attorney
The experienced immigration attorneys at Godoy Law Office in Chicago and Lombard offer assistance in immigration matters to people including spouses, same-sex couples, fiancés, parents and children. We can also advise immigrants looking to secure status as permanent residents through the process of applying for a green card or citizenship. If you need help with an immigration issue, please contact our office or call us at 630-912-0322.
Godoy Law Office serves the entire Chicago, Illinois area including DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will, and Lake Counties.
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