Ukraine has seen an exodus of nearly 6.5 million people so far as Russia’s invasion rages on, according to data provided by the United Nations. While the migrants seek shelter and safety in neighboring countries, the United States has so far accepted only a few hundred refugees.

President Joe Biden, on multiple occasions, has said that the United States stands with the people of Ukraine. But has his claims materialised in the form of humanitarian assistance?

What are top officials saying so far?

The journey to the United States would be far more challenging in comparison to the western neighbors of Ukraine, at least geographically. Administration officials have said that the United States will accept the migrants if needed, but expect most of them to remain in eastern Europe only.

“We are going to welcome Ukrainian refugees with open arms if, in fact, they come all the way here”, Biden said last week in Philadelphia. 

White House press secretary Jen Psaki, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have made similar claims, according to reports from Reuters.

Does America have the capacity to admit Ukrainian refugees?

According to the data released by the State Department so far, only 514 Ukrainians have been admitted up until February. 

The White House bumped up the refugee intake cap to 125,000 last year, reversing a deduction made by former President Donald Trump. Out of these, 10,000 slots have been reserved for people coming from Europe and Central Asia, where Ukraine is. 

However, according to reports from Reuters, this number could be expanded by the administration if needed.

What is the United States currently doing?

Apart from joining most of Europe in imposing sanctions on Russia, the Biden administration — with the help of US Congress— has formulated multiple humanitarian aid packages for people fleeing Ukraine. 

Biden signed a spending bill earlier this week worth more than $13 billion, out of which $4 billion has been kept aside for people exiting Ukraine. 

A Temporary Protected Status will also be given to nearly 75,000 Ukrainians who are already in the United States, according to reports from Reuters citing an announcement made by the Biden administration.