Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Joe Biden announcing he is increasing the maximum number of refugees admitted into the U.S. this year to 62,500:  

“I applaud the Biden administration for honoring our moral obligation to raise the number of refugees allowed in the United States. While the previous administration spent years demonizing immigrants and slashing the number of refugees admitted into the country to historic lows, President Biden understands that, in a time of unprecedented refugee crises worldwide, the United States must show leadership and demonstrate that it continues to be a safe harbor for the most vulnerable people in the world, who in turn make our country a better place. 

“I applaud President Biden for sending this important message and reaffirming that the United States is returning to its position of leadership in the addressing the humanitarian challenges facing the global community.”

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