Presidents usually increase refugees at the end of the financial year. But Mr. Before October 1, Biden will enable up to 62,500 refugees to enter the United States by declaring an ’emergency humanitarian problem’ around the world an emergency.
On his first day on the first day, the president made no mention of refugees in immigration-related executive orders. But on February 4, just two weeks later, he announced his plans with a flourish during a speech at the State Department.
“It’s going to take time to rebuild what was so badly damaged, but that’s exactly what we’re going to do,” he said. Biden said. He does not mention the number of 62,500, but reiterates his promise of 125,000 from October, adding: “I urge the State Department to consult Congress on the payment of the commitment as soon as possible.”
On February 12, the president fulfilled the specific commitment to Congress and promised to resettle 62,500 refugees fleeing war and persecution at home. Mr. Blinken delivered the message to lawmakers along with Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and Norris Cochran, the then acting health secretary.
“They went there and presented a very thoughtful plan, and we were so excited,” said Mark J. Hetfield, chief executive of the Hebrew Immigration Aid Society, a resettlement agency.
“And then,” said Mr. Hetfield said, “it just evaporates overnight.”
The impact
The effect of the president’s delay in Washington has been felt around the world.
Resettlement agencies have already booked flights for hundreds of refugees.
Such immigrants must be identified as refugees by the United Nations or other organizations, and according to the National Immigration Forum, an advocacy organization, take an average of two years that can take an average of two years. About 33,000 refugees have received such approval, and about 115,000 are in the pipeline to be relocated.