Uncategorized
Biden offers ‘safe haven’ to Hong Kong residents in U.S after China crackdown
The Biden administration has announced its plans to offer a temporary safety net to Hong Kong residents in the United States.
This is in response to China’s increasing hold over the Chinese territory, as the new national security laws continue to be enforced.
Thousands of Hong Kong nationals are currently living in the US, and these latest amendments from Biden will allow them to extend their stay.
Homeland Security has implemented a “deferral of removal” for up to 18 months, due to “compelling foreign policy reasons”.
In a memo, Biden says:
“Over the last year, the PRC has continued its assault on Hong Kong’s autonomy, undermining its remaining democratic processes and institutions”.
China is “imposing limits on academic freedom, and cracking down on freedom of the press”.
Individuals who are eligible to stay put will also be able to seek employment and apply for a range of other benefits.
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki says the Biden administration will always stand up for human rights.