The Workers Circle Commends President Biden for Raising of the Nation’s Refugee Cap

May 4, 2021

Contact: Karin Venegas, karin@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-7049
Lynsey Billet, lynsey@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-8449 

(NEW YORK) — Ann Toback, CEO of the Workers Circle, issued the following statement in response to President Joe Biden’s issuance of the Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions:

“The Workers Circle applauds the Biden Administration's decision to increase the refugee cap to 62,500 for this fiscal year, ending September 30, 2021. This number, importantly, begins to correct the historic low annual refugee cap of 15,000 set under the previous administration. This is critical and welcome news for the thousands of refugees who have been approved for admittance and need urgent safe haven. With this policy change, the message from the Biden Administration is clear: the United States cares about persecuted individuals and families worldwide and will once again engage globally as a humanitarian leader.

As an organization founded by Eastern European Jewish immigrants many of whom fled persecution, we are committed to building an America that is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive of those who wish to establish their lives here.

This important upward adjustment of the refugee cap is largely due to the swift advocacy of a diverse group of grassroots organizations, faith groups, and individuals who held President Biden to his campaign commitment to admit more refugees. We commend President Biden’s responsiveness and applaud this signal of America’s return to humanitarianism.”