refugees

A total of 11,445 refugees were allowed into the United States during the budget year that ended on Thursday, according to figures obtained by The Associated Press.

Some 5,000 refugees and migrants are in Serbia, trying to reach European Union countries. With EU leaders fearing an influx of refugees, "Serbia is in a difficult position," says a refugees' advocate.

The Taliban beat him for being Hazara. He spent his life savings to smuggle his family to Turkey — climbing over its border wall — to find a community of Afghans that helps each other get settled.

Refugee advocates have welcomed President Biden's decision to raise the U.S. refugee cap from 15,000 to 62,500 this year. Community-based resettlement efforts are expected to become more prominent.

Denmark says security in Syria has improved enough for some refugees to go back. "The words 'to send us back to Syria' means to destroy our lives," says a Syrian whose residence permit was revoked.

Bosnia-Herzegovina has become the main hub for migrants trying to reach wealthier European nations, a journey they call the "game." Among the risks: being beaten up and sent back by border police.

Dr. Paul Spiegel talks about the gaps — and raises the possibility that the coronavirus pandemic could lead to huge changes in humanitarian responses.

"We want to demonstrate that although we're not a rich country, we can do something that is humanitarian ... but at the same time is an intelligent and sound migration policy," Iván Duque tells NPR.

Colombia's president has unveiled a program to let undocumented Venezuelan migrants live and work legally in the country for up to 10 years. Nearly a million Venezuelans in Colombia lack legal status.

Federal aid ends after 90 days, when refugees are expected to be self-sufficient. With the coronavirus on top of Trump administration cuts to the refugee program, the challenges are overwhelming.

Last month, the Ethiopian government launched an offensive against a rebellious regional government. The ensuing conflict has killed hundreds, and almost 50,000 Ethiopians have crossed into Sudan.