HKW responds to President Biden's announcement of temporary safe haven for Hong Kongers

Today, US President Joseph Biden has announced temporary safe haven for Hong Kongers currently in the USA. President Biden issued a directive to the Department of Homeland Security to ‘Defer the Enforced Departure of Hong Kongers’.

Under the directive, the US Government will suspend deportations of Hong Kongers for 18 months and ensure those whose visas expire in this period are given the opportunity to continue with their employment or studies. It has been reported that the directive will help thousands of Hong Kongers currently living in the USA.

Commenting on the announcement Benedict Rogers, Hong Kong Watch’s Chief Executive, said:

“We welcome today’s directive by President Biden which will ensure thousands of Hong Kongers can find temporary safe haven in the USA.

This announcement recognises the deteriorating human rights situation in Hong Kong, and that it is in the interests of all democratic governments to do all they can to support Hong Kongers who are being deprived of their basic freedoms.

We hope that today’s directive will be the first in a package of lifeboat measures, that will see the USA join UK, Canada, and Australia in offering Hong Kongers a lifeline out of the city.”

President Biden’s full directive to the Department of Homeland Security can be read here: Memorandum on the Deferred Enforced Departure for Certain Hong Kong Residents | The White House