Biden plans to keep target of 125,000 refugees next year, internal report says

By Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden's administration plans to keep its target of accepting 125,000 refugees next year, according to an internal report to U.S. lawmakers reviewed by Reuters, signaling a refugee ramp-up will continue if Kamala Harris wins the White House.

The Biden administration is on pace to bring in 100,000 people through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program in fiscal year 2024, which ends on Sept. 30, according to the document, which has not been previously reported. If successful, that would be the highest level in three decades.

Immigration is a top voter concern in the run-up to Nov. 5 elections that will pit Harris, a Democrat and Biden's vice president, against Republican Donald Trump. Trump greatly curtailed refugee admissions during his 2017-2021 presidency and has pledged a wide-ranging immigration crackdown if reelected.

The State Department said in a statement that it shared Biden's vision of a refugee resettlement program "that reflects the generosity and core values of the United States" but declined to comment on the coming year's plan.

The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program typically is available to people outside of their home countries who face persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Applicants must be outside the U.S. to qualify for the status.

Biden first aimed for 125,000 refugee admissions in fiscal year 2022, an ambitious target that has remained elusive even after years of stepping up refugee processing.

The Biden administration also has increased refugee entries from Latin America, part of a strategy to provide more legal pathways in the region amid record levels of displacement.

Refugee Council USA, a coalition of humanitarian groups, had called on Biden in August to raise the target in fiscal 2025 to at least 135,000, citing rising need around the world.

(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington; Editing by Chris Reese and Jonathan Oatis)