IRC: President Biden’s refugee decision “Good for America, Good for Refugees”

New York, NY, May 3, 2021 —  The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds today to the signing of an Emergency Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions, which raises the historically low, Trump-era Fiscal Year 2021 admissions goal of 15,000 to 62,500. 

This announcement is important for America and for refugees. Refugee resettlement is a proven, successful, secure method of bringing some of the most vulnerable people in the world to start a new life in America.  Today’s announcement by the President does not just fulfil a promise; it sends a global signal that America is back to a role of humanitarian leadership. It comes on the heels of the President’s order last month that removed the discriminatory admissions categories set by the previous administration. It represents a step on the road to rebuilding the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and setting an ambitious goal of welcoming 125,000 refugees next year. The IRC looks forward to continuing as a constructive partner in rebuilding this important program. 

David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, said: “President Biden’s decision is good for America and good for refugees.  We welcome the bold steps to build back refugee protection after four years of deeply damaging policy. Today’s announcement builds on the President’s long legacy of support for refugees, from being a co-sponsor of the Refugee Act of 1980 when he was a member of the Senate, to his commitment to rebuild the resettlement program upon taking office in January. The road to fully rebuild is long, and we will continue to face challenges, but at the IRC we are ready to roll our sleeves up and partner with the administration to return America to a position of global leadership on refugee protection. Refugees have enriched every aspect of American life - and the message of welcome has global impact. When America welcomes refugees it is the best of America, leaning on its distinguished tradition and long-held values of providing refuge to those fleeing violence and political persecution. We welcome the President's recognition of these long-held values, and America's promise to reset the global standard for humanitarian commitment.”