Statement from President Joe Biden on World Refugee Day | The White HouseSkip to contentThe White HouseThe White House The White House Home AdministrationPrioritiesThe RecordBriefing RoomEspañol InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowXOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement MenuCloseTo search this site, enter a search termSearchMobile Menu OverlayAdministrationShow submenu for “Administration””President Joe BidenVice President Kamala HarrisFirst Lady Dr. Jill BidenSecond Gentleman Douglas EmhoffThe CabinetExecutive OfficesShow submenu for “Executive Offices””Council of Economic AdvisersCouncil on Environmental QualityDomestic Policy CouncilGender Policy CouncilNational Economic CouncilNational Security CouncilNational Space CouncilOffice of Intergovernmental AffairsOffice of Management and BudgetOffice of the National Cyber DirectorOffice of National Drug Control PolicyOffice of Public EngagementOffice of Science and Technology PolicyOffice of the United States Trade RepresentativeClimate Policy OfficePresidential Personnel OfficePrioritiesBriefing RoomThe White HouseShow submenu for “The White House””PresidentsFirst FamiliesThe GroundsOur GovernmentGet InvolvedShow submenu for “Get Involved””Write or Call The White HouseJoin UsWhite House FellowsWhite House Internship ProgramThe RecordDisclosuresEspañol Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowXOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 To search this site, enter a search termSearchJune 20, 2024 Statement from President Joe Biden on World Refugee Day Home Briefing Room Statements and Releases On World Refugee Day, the United States reaffirms its commitment to the safety, dignity, and protection of refugees and forcibly displaced persons worldwide. A historic number of people, now more than 120 million, have been forced from their homes by war, violence, and persecution. Many of them left behind everything, fleeing with their families because of a fear of violence, ethnic oppression, political or religious persecution, or other forms of hatred and intolerance. On this day, we reaffirm our solidarity with refugees. We also express our profound appreciation for the United Nations and the many humanitarian organizations and workers who provide refugees with life-saving assistance. We recognize the special challenges faced by countries hosting large numbers of refugees and applaud governments that have welcomed refugees and given them opportunities to integrate into and contribute to local communities. The United States is proud to be a global leader in responding to the needs of refugees and displaced people worldwide. We are the largest donor of humanitarian assistance globally, providing those in need with life-saving food, water, shelter, and medical care. Our commitment to refugee protection extends to doing more to address the root causes of displacement, including to resolve conflicts and oppression in troubled parts of the world. This Administration has also led an historic expansion of lawful pathways so migrants do not put themselves and their families at grave risk undertaking perilous journeys. Here at home, my Administration has rebuilt the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, strengthened our extensive refugee vetting processes, and expanded access to resettlement to the most vulnerable around the world. In Fiscal Year 2024, we are on track to resettle more than 100,000 refugees in the United States, the most in three decades. Refugees make significant political, social, and economic contributions that enrich American communities. Refugees and asylees contributed almost $124 billion to our nation’s economy from 2005 to 2019. Last year, to expand opportunities for Americans to more directly help refugees, the United States launched the Welcome Corps, an initiative that builds upon our country’s long tradition of providing refuge to people forced to flee their homes in search of safety and freedom through sponsorship. Despite our achievements resettling refugees at home and protecting them overseas, we have much left to do. Together with our partners, we must work toward a world where people are safe from persecution and war, and where all people feel welcome and integrated into their communities.### Stay ConnectedSign UpEmail Address* RequiredZIP CodePlease leave blank.We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better. Opt in to send and receive text messages from President Biden. ShareShare this page on FacebookShare this page on Xhttps://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/06/20/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-world-refugee-day-2/?utm_source=link HomeThe AdministrationExecutive OfficesPrioritiesThe RecordBriefing RoomThe White HouseDisclosuresGet InvolvedEspañol Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowXOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 WH.gov Scroll to Top Scroll to Top Top
