16 APRIL 2021

Immigration Hub: Biden’s Decision on Refugee Admissions Breaks the American Promise

WASHINGTON, DC - In response to reports of President Biden’s decision to limit the number of refugees allowed in the United States, breaking with a campaign promise to undo the Trump administration’s historically low cap on refugee admissions, the Immigration Hub issued the following statement:

“‘Every immigrant comes to America from different circumstances and for different reasons but you all  have one thing in common, courage. The courage it takes to sacrifice and make this journey, the courage to leave your home and your lives, your loved ones, and come to a nation that is more than just a place but rather an idea, an idea that where everyone is created and deserves to be treated equally.’ These words were a message welcoming new American citizens taking the oath. A message delivered by President Biden last week. 

“President Biden’s words echo the American promise and values we cherish, that often defines our powerful nation - a nation with the resources, the ideas, opportunities and freedoms that allow us to thrive and aspire to be better with each generation. However, his decision this week to keep refugee admissions at an historically low level does not reflect these ideals.

“There simply is no courage or political wisdom in breaking this American promise. Maintaining a cruel policy of the past will have a vast human impact on people fleeing war and persecution. This decision is ultimately an unnecessary policy and political misstep.

“In less than a hundred days since President Biden took office, the administration has made critical headway in undoing the chaos left behind by Trump and Republican immigration policies. He holds popular support for solutions to manage the border and bring back humanity to a broken system. We urge the president to deliver the campaign promise he made to increase refugee admissions and continue to make bold changes that will restore the courage and values in our immigration system.”

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.