Jesuit Refugee Service/USA welcomes the Biden Administration’s announcement that the U.S. has set a goal of welcoming 125,000 refugees in Fiscal Year 2023. While this figure mirrors the current U.S. refugee admissions target, it acknowledges the challenges still facing the U.S. refugee resettlement program while maintaining the United States’ commitment to offering a durable solution to refugees.

“The world is witnessing the highest levels of global displacement on record with more than 100 million people forced to flee their homes,” said Joan Rosenhauer, Executive Director, JRS/USA. “While we advocated for an increased target of 200,000 refugee admissions, we appreciate the U.S. Government’s recognition that refugee resettlement is a critical way to protect some of the most vulnerable refugees who face specific or urgent protection risks.”

The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program continues to rebuild after several years of underinvestment and has been overwhelmed by necessary U.S. response efforts in the wake of the crises in Afghanistan and Ukraine. Yet it remains an important tool that provides hope and safety to refugees from across the globe who are in search of long-term peace and stability.

“Now is the time to meaningfully invest in rebuilding this program and to do everything in our power to increase refugee arrivals in the United States,” said Giulia McPherson, Director of Advocacy, JRS/USA. “The refugee resettlement program requires continued support from Congress, the Administration, and civil society so that it can effectively meet the needs of refugees and continue to serve as a critical lifeline to those who have been forcibly displaced.”