Psaki s statement late Friday attempted to walk back the controversial announcement.
It said that Biden’s directive earlier Friday had been the subject of “some confusion,” and that while it would be difficult to meet Biden s goal of allowing 62,500 refugees into the country this year because of changes imposed by Trump, it would seek to announce a higher ceiling than 15,000 in May.
“For the past few weeks, he has been consulting with his advisors to determine what number of refugees could realistically be admitted to the United States between now and October 1. Given the decimated refugee admissions program we inherited, and burdens on the Office of Refugee Resettlement, his initial goal of 62,500 seems unlikely,” Psaki said.
Biden speeds refugee admissions but doesn t lift Trump cap of 15,000 pressherald.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from pressherald.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
After outcry, WH says Biden will lift refugee cap in May President faced swift blowback from allies and aid groups after saying he would keep Donald Trump s limit of 15,000 for this year.
By ZEKE MILLER , AAMER MADHANI and JULIE WATSON
Biden signs emergency determination to speed refugee admissions, but doesn t lift Trump s cap
By Zeke Miller and Aamer Madhani
Published article
Children from Central America are taught and play at a migrant camp on the grounds of the National Institute for Migration near the El Chaparral border crossing. Just over 14,000 unaccompanied migrant minors and refugees are in the custody of U.S.
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WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden on Friday signed an emergency determination that officials said would speed refugee admissions to the U.S., but he did not immediately lift his predecessor s historically low cap of 15,000 refugees for this year.