The United States is set to welcome up to 100,000 refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.
As reported by CNN and Reuters, the news was confirmed by the Biden Administration on Thursday (March 24), with a senior administration official stating: "To meet this commitment, we are considering the full range of legal pathways to the United States."
Per CNN, this will include the United States refugee admissions program, parole, and immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Officials also hope to develop and introduce programs that will focus on welcoming Ukrainians who have family members in the United States."
The official added:
"By opening our country to these individuals, we will help relieve some of the pressure on the European host countries that are currently shouldering so much of the responsibility."
Additionally, there will reportedly be an emphasis on protecting those considered to be more vulnerable among the refugee groups - such as journalists, third-country nationals, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with certain medical needs.
CNN reports that the senior official noted that the White House will not need to seek permission from Congress in order to expand the current annual cap on refugees - which currently stands at 125,000 for the fiscal year 2022.
The official stated: "We still have a significant capacity within the 125,000 so we don't currently envision the need to go beyond that."
According to a report from the United Nations, it is estimated that more than 3.6 million people have fled Ukraine since the start of Russia's "special military operation" on February 24.
Statistics show that most refugees have fled over the border to neighboring countries, such as Poland, Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Hungary.
"As the situation continues to unfold, an estimated 4 million people may flee Ukraine. In light of the emergency and paramount humanitarian needs of refugees from Ukraine, an inter-agency regional refugee response is being carried out, in support of refugee-hosting countries’ efforts," the UN states.
Other countries, such as the UK, are also launching schemes that allow citizens to host Ukrainian refugees in need.
