Biden extends protections for Hong Kongers in US
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It is the second time Mr Joe Biden has extended the programme.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON - US President Joe Biden on Jan 15 ordered a two-year extension of a programme allowing Hong Kong residents living in the United States – many of whom fled repressive Chinese rule – to stay beyond the expiry of their visas.
The extension, just weeks before the programme was due to run out, was likely to add to tensions between Beijing and Washington as the incoming administration of Donald Trump vowed to confront a “dangerous” China and deter any invasion of Taiwan.
It is the second time Mr Biden has extended the programme.
“Offering safe haven for Hong Kong residents who have been deprived of their guaranteed freedoms in Hong Kong furthers United States interests in the region,” Mr Biden said in a presidential memorandum.
“The United States supports the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the residents of Hong Kong. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has continued to significantly erode those rights and freedoms,” he said.
Mr Biden laid out what he described as the Chinese communist government’s “assault on Hong Kong’s autonomy” and undermining of remaining democratic institutions.
This includes at least 200 arrests of politicians and activists on politically motivated national security charges such as subversion since 2020, when a national security law came into force in Hong Kong
“There are compelling foreign policy reasons to extend” the visa clemency programme, known as Deferred Enforced Departure, Mr Biden said.
The previous programme was due to expire on Feb 5.
The State Department added that Hong Kong authorities on Dec 24 issued arrest warrants and bounties targeting six overseas democracy activists and cancelled passports for seven other activists, including some based in the United States.
“These acts of transnational repression are a threat to US sovereignty and national security and show blatant disregard for democracy and human rights,” spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. AFP
