The United States will dramatically scale up the number of refugees it will take from Syria, allowing in “at least” 10,000 refugees during the next fiscal year, which starts October 1.

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Thursday the U.S. is on track to accept only about 1,500 Syrian refugees during the current fiscal year.

“The president has directed his team to scale up that number next year, and he’s informed his team that he would like them to make preparations to accept at least 10,000 Syrian refugees in the next fiscal year,” Earnest said.

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As refugees from the conflict in Syria flood into Europe, the United States has come under increasing criticism for not taking more of them. But some who are expressing concern about the influx have noted that many of those fleeing seem to be young men, and they warn of the danger that terrorist groups have seeded the refugees with militants who could strike from within the country.

Earnest noted that the United States has donated $4 billion to relief agencies and others trying to meet humanitarian needs in Syria, saying the funding was “the most effective way” to address the problem.