In response to requests from refugee agencies and attorneys, President Biden raised the annual refugee cap for the current fiscal year to 62,500 from the original base of 15,000.

In comments regarding the increase, Biden stated it is unlikely that the cap will be reached by September 30, which is the end of the fiscal year. However, the total number of refugees that are ready to enter the U.S. has increased.

Below are the admissions groups with the current cap limit for FY2021:

  • Africa: 22,000
  • East Asia: 6,000
  • Latin America and the Caribbean: 5,000
  • Near East and South Asia: 13,000
  • Europe and Central Asia: 4,000
  • Unallocated reserve: 12,500

Through the end of March 2021, only 2,050 refugees had been admitted to the U.S. for the current fiscal year, per the U.S. Department of State’s Refugee Processing Center.

Looking forward, Biden stated he hopes to admit 125,000 refugees for FY 2022. However, he also said that will be difficult to fill.

The Refugee Act of 1980 is the source of the current refugee program. Through the Act, more than 3 million people have come to the U.S.

We continue to monitor ongoing immigration reforms. If you have questions about your status, the refugee program, or any immigration-related issues, contact us at ILBSG. Each person’s situation is unique. We work with you to ensure you get the right advice.

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