Biden Administration Provides $380 Million to Support Migrants

The Biden administration has announced a $380 million grant to support migrants released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at the southern border. This funding is part of the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), which aims to provide migrants with food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and transportation while they await their immigration court proceedings.

The grant comes as the number of migrants crossing the US-Mexico border has surged in recent years. In fiscal year 2023, there were more than 2.4 million migrant encounters, and that number could be broken by the end of fiscal year 2024. This influx has overwhelmed social and health services in many cities, and local governments have used taxpayer money to put migrants up in hotels or shelters.

The $380 million grant will be divided among 50 nonprofits, municipalities, and government entities. The biggest beneficiaries include New York City, Los Angeles, and Arizona. The grant will also provide funding to several non-profit organizations, including Jewish Family Service San Diego, Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego, and Catholic Charities Archdiocese of San Antonio.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey praised the grant, saying it will help the state manage costs for sheltering migrants. She also praised the Biden administration for reducing illegal border crossings. However, Republicans in Massachusetts say the state has spent $1 billion on "secret migrant crisis spending" and have called for a detailed cost breakdown.

The DHS funding is intended to help address the challenges posed by the surge in migration. However, it is unlikely to fully address the financial burden placed on cities and states. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates that the net cost of illegal immigration for the United States is at least $150.7 billion.