Joe Biden raises Trump refugee cap after backlash

President Joe Biden lifted the yearly ceiling on refugees from the United States, caving in to criticism from his party after initially choosing to uphold the Trump-era figure.

Amidst outcry from progressives and refugee groups, the Democratic president is increasing the ceiling from 15,000 to 62,500.

Mr. Biden claimed that the lower figure “did not reflect America’s values”.

The president was apprehensive about increasing immigration amidst an unprecedented surge at the US-Mexico border.

Mr. Biden’s statement on Monday, the new total of 62,500 “erases the historically low number” set by former President Donald Trump.

He said that his administration planned to increase the quota of refugees admitted to 125,000 for the next year.