Biden resists raising refugee cap over political optics, sources say

[DonViejo]

By Priscilla Alvarez, Kylie Atwood, Lauren Fox and Jeremy Diamond, CNN

Updated 8:15 AM ET, Thu April 15, 2021

(CNN) - President Joe Biden has resisted signing off on raising the Trump-era refugee cap because of political optics, sources have told CNN.

The President's hesitation comes as the administration faces heat from Republicans and Democrats for its handling of an influx of migrants at the US-Mexico border. But the situation at the US southern border is separate from the refugee program, which dates back decades and has a thorough vetting process in place for refugees overseas to resettle in the US.

One Democratic aide described what is unfolding as "vintage Biden" in terms of preserving his options so that he can maintain decision-making space for the one that best suits him politically.

Democratic lawmakers and advocates, frustrated with the delay, have tried to seek answers from the administration but have fallen short. When asked by reporters about next steps, administration officials haven't provided clarity, instead maintaining that the President is committed to the issue. Last week, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden was committed to raising the refugee ceiling to 62,500 this fiscal year but she didn't provide a timeline.

more
https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/15/politics/biden-refugees/index.html

[empedocles]

1. 'Optics' is a deliberate trump word.

[Biden knows the rw hammers are out for immigration issues. Getting things done requires some pragmatism].