WASHINGTON — A U.S. official says the United States will welcome up to 100,000 refugees from Ukraine as 3.5 million flee Russia’s invasion.
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity ahead of the announcement later Thursday.
The White House has been saying for weeks that the U.S. would accept refugees from Ukraine, but officials had expected most would want to remain in Europe to stay close to their homeland or to family members around Eastern Europe.
Refugee agencies had urged the Biden administration to do more, saying the U.S. could expedite the entry of Ukrainians who had already been in the process of applying to enter the United States through the country’s refugee program or expanding the total number of Ukrainians who could come into the country under the cap that the administration sets in consultation with Congress.
Previously, the Biden administration set the refugee cap for budget year 2022 at 125,000 after it had been cut to a record low of 15,000 under former President Donald Trump.
-
17-year-old girl shot, killed by mother at Anderson home, police say
A 17-year-old girl has died after police say she was shot by her mother at an Anderson residence Sunday.
Family honors mother killed before Christmas, raises domestic violence awareness
Loved ones honored 36-year-old Ashley Yunya Yarrell with a balloon release, remembering her life and raising awareness about domestic violence just days before Christmas.
Family honors cousins lost to gun violence by creating a garden that gives back
Dozens of family and friends gathered at a garden on the city’s northwest side to release balloons in memory of cousins Jaiden and Kalin, whose lives were cut short by gun violence one year apart.
Texans win eliminates Colts from playoffs
The Indianapolis Colts' playoff drought has reached five years after the Houston Texans defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 at SoFi Stadium on Saturday.