Global Refuge Praises Biden’s Refugee Policy as Resettlements Soar to 30-Year High

Biden Administration Reaches Milestone in Refugee Resettlement, Maintains 125,000 Admissions Cap for FY 2025

Washington, D.C. – On September 30, 2024, the White House announced that President Biden signed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Presidential Determination on refugee admissions, maintaining the annual cap at 125,000 for the fourth consecutive year. This comes as refugee arrivals through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) have surged, with admissions in FY 2024 reaching 100,034—a significant increase from the record low of 11,411 in FY 2021 during the Trump administration.

This marks the highest level of refugee resettlement in nearly 30 years, with Global Refuge, formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, welcoming over 14,000 of these new arrivals. Refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Syria, Venezuela, and Burma (Myanmar) topped the list of countries of origin. Additionally, the Biden administration’s Safe Mobility Offices initiative contributed to the resettlement of over 20,000 refugees from Latin America and the Caribbean, setting a record for the region.

Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge, praised the administration’s efforts, stating, “Resettling 100,000 refugees, a figure surpassing the previous three fiscal years combined, represents a milestone achievement signaling renewed U.S. humanitarian leadership. These families have found safety, hope, and a sense of belonging in communities eager to embrace them as neighbors and co-workers.”

Despite political challenges and ongoing misinformation about refugees, Vignarajah highlighted the economic and social contributions of these newcomers, who help address labor shortages and contribute more in taxes than they receive in assistance. She urged Americans to see in refugees the same enduring search for freedom that has shaped the nation.

As the 2024 election approaches, Global Refuge expressed concern over the future of U.S. refugee admissions, particularly for vulnerable groups such as Afghan and Rohingya refugees. The nonprofit calls for continued progress in FY 2025 and expanded protection for populations displaced by climate-related risks.

For over 85 years, Global Refuge has been dedicated to welcoming those seeking refuge, serving more than 750,000 individuals globally. The organization continues to play a pivotal role in resettlement, family unification, and economic empowerment, ensuring that newcomers find a lasting place in the American dream.