The Biden Administration announced Monday that it will lift the annual refugee cap to 62,500. The previous cap was set at 15,000 by the Donald Trump Administration. Rep. Raul Grivalja applauded the move.
In a press release, Grijalva stated, “The previously low number from the Trump Administration served no national security purpose and was simply another example of racism and xenophobia dictating immigration policies. This reversal of former President Trump’s shameful policy reaffirms that America will continue to serve as a symbol of hope for people fleeing violence and persecution from around the world. The Biden Administration must now continue working to rebuild the refugee resettlement infrastructure destroyed by Trump and allow more families to come to our country, build new lives, and become part of the diverse America we know and love. America should be a welcoming place for the most vulnerable, and our policies must reflect that.”
Grijalva has been a vocal opponent of the Trump Administration’s border policies. He also sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking for an end to the border wall. He also wants new policies created for asylum seekers.
In the letter, Grijalva stated, “As a Member of Congress who represents a district along the Southern border, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of the previous administration’s punitive immigration policies. From border wall construction wreaking havoc on the environment and wildlife, border communities, and Native American sacred sites to the thousands of families and unaccompanied children that are presenting themselves at ports of entry seeking asylum from incredible violence and persecution in their countries of origin, these consequences continue impacting those who call the border home.”
On Twitter, Grijalva stated, “I am pleased that @POTUS has lifted the refugee cap. America should always be a welcoming place for the most vulnerable, and our policies must reflect that.”
I am pleased that @POTUS has lifted the refugee cap.
America should always be a welcoming place for the most vulnerable, and our policies must reflect that. #RefugeesWelcome https://t.co/n5TEW6BlvZ
— Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) May 4, 2021
