Biden extends protections for Hong Kongers in US

US PRESIDENT Joe Biden on Wednesday 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 Biden has extended the programme. He also did so for two years in 2022.

“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,” 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.

Biden laid out what he described as the Chinese communist government’s “assault on Hong Kong’s autonomy” and undermining of remaining democratic institutions.

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This includes at least 200 arrests of politicians and activists on politically motivated national security charges such as subversion since 2020, when a draconian national security law came into force in Hong Kong, and the sentencing last year of 45 pro-democracy advocates to prison, he said.

“There are compelling foreign policy reasons to extend” the visa clemency programme, known as Deferred Enforced Departure, Biden said.

The previous programme was due to expire on Feb 5. AFP