By Oct. 1, the Obama administration’s goal of resettling 10,000 Syrian refugees will be reached.
National Security Adviser Susan Rice announced that the goal would be met when the final Syrian refugee arrives this week.
"On behalf of the President and his Administration, I extend the warmest of welcomes to each and every one of our Syrian arrivals, as well as the many other refugees resettled this year from all over the world," Rice said.
The U.S. had pledged to bring in at least 10,000 Syrians from the country during the current fiscal year, which ends next month.
"IRC encourages the White House to consider this 10,000 milestone 'a floor and not a ceiling,'" said David Miliband, president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee. "The achievement of the 10,000 target proves what is possible, and there remains an urgent need to further strengthen US leadership in resettling refugee families -- with appropriate vetting -- fleeing violence and war."
Miliband has asked that the U.S. consider upping the acceptance rate to 140,00 refugees in 2017.
A State Department official said the U.S. would most likely continue to accept applicants and admissions into the U.S. until Oct. 1.
The U.S. is also the largest single donor to the Syrian crisis response, the U.S. ambassador to Jordan said.
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Publication date: August 30, 2016