UN chief hails new US migration and refugee policies

UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday welcomed the positive steps announced by the new US administration relating to migration and refugees, said his spokesman.

The secretary-general looks forward to working with the new US administration led by Joe Biden to strengthen multilateral cooperation in these areas. Guterres also hopes to see the United States join the Global Compact for Migration, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement.

"Support from the United States to address the needs of migrants and refugees has been strong and steadfast. This partnership is needed now more than ever as we seek to provide assistance, protection and sustainable solutions to the displacement of record numbers of people who have been forced to flee their homes as a result of conflict, violence or disaster, or are migrating in the hopes of finding a better life for themselves and their families," said the statement.

Just hours after taking the oath of office, Biden acted to dismantle his predecessor Donald Trump's immigration policies. Biden ordered an end to the construction of the US-Mexico border wall and a ban on travel from some Muslim-majority countries. The Biden administration also aims to provide a pathway to citizenship for immigrants who are living in the United States unlawfully.