Biden revises refugee rules

After a backlash from Democrats and rights activists, the White House abruptly reversed course Friday on the number of refugees it will allow into the U.S., a reflection of President Biden’s continuing struggle with immigration policy.

At midday Friday, the administration said it would limit the number of refugees to the historically low level of 15,000 set by the Trump administration, breaking an earlier pledge to greatly increase the number and let in more than 60,000 people fleeing war and persecution.

But the announce

ment drew immediate criticism from Democratic leaders. Sen. Dick Durbin, DIll., called the target “unacceptable.”

“Facing the greatest refugee crisis in our time, there is no reason to limit the number to 15,000,” Durbin said. “Say it ain’t so, President Joe.”

Hours later, the White House put out a statement saying it expected to increase the cap next month. It did not comment when asked to specify the number.

The sudden shifts come as the United States struggles with a surge of unaccompanied children and teenagers at the Mexican border.