Top federal agency exposed for spending billions on migrants in a single year

The Biden administration has come under scrutiny for its spending of tens of billions of dollars on grants to migrants and refugees through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement. A recent report by watchdog group Open the Books revealed that over $10 billion was distributed in grants in just one year, with the numbers fluctuating significantly over the years.

In FY 2021, $2.4 billion was awarded in grants to nonprofits, which increased to $3.4 billion in FY 2022. The numbers peaked at an astonishing $10 billion in FY 2023 before being reduced to $4.2 billion in FY 2024. These figures reflect the challenges faced by the administration during a historic migrant crisis at the southern border.

The grants included funding to help migrants save for car and home purchases, as well as business and personal loans. Other programs focused on legal aid and cultural orientation for refugees entering the country legally. However, critics argue that American taxpayers are bearing the burden of these expenses, while many citizens are struggling to make ends meet.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently clawed back $59 million in FEMA funds earmarked for hotels housing migrants in New York City. Additionally, four FEMA employees were fired for their involvement in the payments. A DHS spokesperson emphasized that no funds would be spent against the interests and safety of the American people.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has taken a different approach to border security, ramping up enforcement measures and cracking down on releases into the interior. Refugee resettlement has been suspended, ICE agents have been given more freedom to operate, and a national emergency has been declared at the southern border.

As the debate over immigration policies continues, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will address the challenges posed by the ongoing migrant crisis. The issue of funding for migrants and refugees is likely to remain a contentious topic, with both sides advocating for their respective positions on the matter.