Dr. Ruiz Statement on Biden Administration Welcoming 100,000 Refugees Fleeing Russia’s Aggression

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) issued the following statement on President Biden's announcement of new humanitarian, development, and democracy assistance to Ukraine and the surrounding region, including welcoming up to 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing Russia's aggression:

"As the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues to escalate, it is crucial that the United States open its arms to those seeking safety and security and strengthen the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program," said Dr. Ruiz. "President Biden's commitment to provide an additional $1 billion in humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people and to welcome one hundred thousand refugees fleeing Russia's aggression is a positive step in this direction. After personally witnessing the devastating toll of Russia's unprovoked attack, I called on the Administration to raise the refugee cap and do more to welcome not just Ukrainian refugees, but all refugees fleeing violence and persecution. I thank President Biden for heeding my call, and I stand ready to work with the Administration to provide the support that refugees need."

Earlier this month, Dr. Ruiz called on the White House to increase the global refugee cap, expedite family reunification of Ukrainians in the United States, and rebuild the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. As Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Dr. Ruiz authored the letter to President Biden following his trip to the Poland-Ukraine border where, as an emergency medicine physician trained in humanitarian aid, he witnessed firsthand the complex humanitarian crisis facing the Ukrainian people.

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