According to a United Nations report, more than three million Ukrainians have moved to the neighboring country since the Russian invasion on February 24. The US has so far accepted only a handful of Ukrainian refugees. In such a situation, critics have questioned America’s policy.
Why is America not giving place to Ukrainian refugees?
US President Joe Biden and his top officials have said the US is ready to accept refugees if needed, but the Biden administration has consistently indicated that Ukrainians should reach Europe for asylum. Biden said on March 11 that if Ukrainian refugees really do come here, we are going to welcome them with an open heart.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on March 10 that the administration believed the largest population of refugees would like to live in neighboring countries where many have relatives and friends. The US State Department has said that we will work with the United Nations to bring refugees to America.
Who is calling Ukrainian refugees to the US?
More than three dozen Democratic lawmakers wrote a letter to Joe Biden on March 11. In this, an appeal was made to increase the entry of refugees. He wrote that the crisis could take a toll on countries that are currently hosting many Ukrainian refugees. In such a situation, America should try to help these countries.
Olena Zelenska, wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has called on American women to support Ukrainian women and children seeking asylum.
How many Ukrainian refugees has the US accepted so far?
There is no data available for March yet. However, the US accepted 514 Ukrainian refugees in January and February due to the Russian invasion. The Biden government has set a limit of 1.25 lakh refugees for the year 2022.
The US is not accepting Ukrainian refugees, so what is it doing?
Reports suggest that many Ukrainian refugees wanted to reach the US through Mexico but the US refused entry. The US government is providing financial aid to European countries that house refugees.