President Joe Biden announced Tuesday that the United States plans to welcome a record 125,000 refugees in 2024, a “level not reached in three decades.”
In a official statement for him world refugee dayBiden assured that his administration “has worked hard” to rebuild the National Refugee Admissions Program, an effort that has included resettlement and job opportunities for newcomers.
“The United States continues to be the largest provider of humanitarian assistance to refugees worldwide, including medical care, clean water and education, in partnership with international and non-governmental partners, for tens of millions of refugees and the communities that host them around the world. the world,” said the US president.
The administration of the Democratic president launched the Welcome Corps programwhich aims in its first year to recruit 10,000 Americans who can help some 5,000 refugees to adapt to their new life in the US.
Biden recalled that there are already 110 million displaced people in the world, “more refugees than at any other time in history” and highlighted the serious humanitarian situation in Ukraine, Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Somalia and South Sudan, from where they have come. thousands of people fleeing conflicts and crises.
He also insisted that the protection of refugees is a transnational challenge that requires shared solutions. “That is why we are working with regional partners in our own hemisphere to provide protection and support for the stabilization and integration of those who need it,” said the president.
“Welcoming refugees is part of who we are as Americans: our nation was founded by those fleeing religious persecution. When we take action to help refugees around the world and include them, we honor this past and are more strong thanks to him,” concluded Biden, whose Irish ancestors settled in the US in the 19th century.
As of the end of 2022, more than 35 million refugees were living outside their nations, to which only a few are likely to return. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, this means an increase of more than 8 million compared to 2021 and the largest jump on record.
This increase is mainly due to those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In total, 52% of refugees and people with international protection come from three countries: Syria (6.5 million), Ukraine (5.7 million), Afghanistan (5.7 million) and Venezuela (5.5 million).
In its most recent reportthe UNHCR placed the number of people displaced by wars, persecution, violence and violations of human rights at 108.4 million, the highest number on record and an increase of 19.1 million compared to 2021.
The outbreak of the conflict in Sudan raised the number of displaced persons to 110 million until last May.
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