Biden Offers 'Safe Haven' For Hong Kong Residents In U.S.

President Joe Biden late last week offered a temporary "safe haven" to Hong Kong residents in the United States, allowing potentially thousands of people to extend their stay in the country in response to Beijing's crackdown on democracy in the Chinese territory, Michael Martina reported for Reuters.

Photo Insert: The "deferral of removal" can be granted for up to 18 months for Hong Kong residents currently in the United States, citing "compelling foreign policy reasons."

In a signed memo, Biden directed the Department of Homeland Security to implement a "deferral of removal" for up to 18 months for Hong Kong residents currently in the United States, citing "compelling foreign policy reasons".

"Over the last year, the PRC has continued its assault on Hong Kong's autonomy, undermining its remaining democratic processes and institutions, imposing limits on academic freedom, and cracking down on freedom of the press," Biden said in the memo, using the acronym for the People's Republic of China.

"Offering safe haven for Hong Kong residents who have been deprived of their guaranteed freedoms in Hong Kong furthers US interests in the region. The US will not waver in our support of people in Hong Kong," Biden said.

The vast majority of Hong Kong residents currently in the US are expected to be eligible for the program, according to a senior administration official, but some legal conditions apply, such as individuals not having been convicted of felonies.

The White House said in a statement that the move made clear the United States "will not stand idly by as the PRC breaks its promises to Hong Kong and to the international community."

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