Biden Admin’s Refugee Resettlement Costs Reach $20B in 2 Years
The Federal Government Spends Nearly $20 Billion on Refugee Resettlement Programs
A new watchdog report has revealed that the federal government has spent almost $20 billion of taxpayer dollars on refugee resettlement programs in the past two years. This staggering sum has been driven by a surge in foreign nationals attempting to enter the United States.
The funds were allocated to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that aims to help refugees become self-sufficient after their arrival in the country. The ORR received a massive $8.93 billion in taxpayer funds in fiscal year 2022, which increased to $10.93 billion the following year. The total amount of taxpayer funds used for resettlement programs reached $19.85 billion, supporting various initiatives such as housing assistance, school placement support, and public benefits applications. The President’s budget for 2024 allocates just over $10 billion to the ORR.
These figures represent a significant increase from the early days of the Biden administration, when only $2.6 billion was allocated to the ORR in 2021.
While the ORR has struggled to account for unaccompanied children amidst an unprecedented surge of illegal aliens at the southern border, over 10 million foreign nationals have attempted to cross into the United States since President Biden took office.
Increased Funding for Refugee Assistance Programs
Over the past two years, there has been a notable increase in funding for Refugee and Entrant Assistance Discretionary Grants. These grants allow eligible individuals to receive financial assistance from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that receive funding from the ORR.
While $1.5 billion in discretionary grants were distributed from 2013 to 2023, the majority of the spending occurred in the last two years, with amounts exceeding $400 million in 2022 and $615 million in 2023.
One of the programs within the discretionary grant program is the ORR’s Preferred Communities Program, which accounted for over half of the discretionary grant spending in 2022. This program aims to provide intensive case management to extremely vulnerable individuals, offering services such as mental health support, transportation assistance, help with benefit systems, and immigration status support.
According to Adam Andrzejewski, the Founder & CEO of Open the Books, the ORR’s grantmaking incentivizes mass migration into the United States. He explains that the news of generous benefits and support available in America acts as a powerful magnet for people seeking a new life.
Former HHS Director of the Office of Civil Rights, Roger Severino, argues that the ORR has shifted its focus from its original refugee-resettlement mission to providing a range of free programs that encourage illegal immigration.
Controversy Surrounding ORR Director and Funding Recipients
Two NGOs that have historically received significant funding from the ORR are also former employers of the current ORR director, Robin Dunn Marcos. Dunn Marcos worked for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the Church World Service (CWS), both of which receive grants from the ORR.
In 2023, the IRC received over $66 million in government grants for the Preferred Communities program, while the CWS received over $64 million. These figures represent a substantial increase compared to 2022. Additionally, the IRC received over $180 million and the CWS was awarded $125 million in Refugee and Entrant Assistance Discretionary Grants from 2013 to 2023.
A spokesperson for the ORR stated that Dunn Marcos is recused from participating in matters involving specific parties in which the IRC is involved, in accordance with the Ethics Pledge. This recusal obligation lasts for two years from her appointment date.
Despite the significant amount of taxpayer funds allocated to the ORR, the office has been unable to locate up to 85,000 unaccompanied children placed with sponsors in recent years. Many of these children have ended up working in factories and food processing plants, in violation of child labor laws.
As the number of foreign nationals attempting to enter the United States reaches new highs, the ORR budget continues to rise. In November 2023, a record-breaking number of nearly a quarter million foreign nationals attempted to enter the country through the southern border. This includes a surge in Chinese nationals and a 1,000% increase in illegal immigration from Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and the Dominican Republic, among other countries.
Border security and mass illegal immigration are expected to be key issues in the upcoming presidential election, with multiple public opinion polls indicating that over 60% of respondents disapprove of President Biden’s handling of the border.
How have allegations of corruption within the ORR and its funding recipients affected public perception of the organization, and what questions does it raise about the use of taxpayer money?
The ORR and its director, Jally Chan, have faced criticism for their management of the refugee resettlement programs and the allocation of funds. According to reports, Chan has no prior experience in refugee resettlement or immigration policy, raising concerns about her qualifications for the position.
Furthermore, there have been allegations of corruption within the ORR and its funding recipients. In 2021, it was revealed that several organizations receiving ORR funds were connected to non-profit organizations run by relatives of ORR officials. This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the proper use of taxpayer money.
In addition, some argue that the ORR’s focus on providing extensive benefits and support to refugees and foreign nationals incentivizes further illegal immigration. Critics claim that the generous assistance available in the United States encourages individuals to take their chances and attempt to enter the country unlawfully.
The influx of foreign nationals attempting to enter the United States has overwhelmed the ORR’s capacity to effectively handle and process asylum claims. The backlog of cases and the lack of resources have resulted in overcrowded detention facilities, inadequate medical care, and a strain on local communities near the border.
Opponents of the ORR’s refugee resettlement programs argue that the federal government should prioritize its resources and focus on addressing the needs of American citizens before allocating billions of dollars to aid foreign nationals. They contend that there are homeless and disadvantaged Americans who could benefit from the same level of attention and assistance that is being provided to refugees.
Nonetheless, proponents argue that the United States has a moral obligation to provide refuge and assistance to those fleeing persecution and violence in their home countries. They believe that the ORR’s programs are essential for helping refugees integrate into American society and become self-sufficient.
Ultimately, the issue of refugee resettlement and the allocation of federal funds is a polarizing topic that continues to spark debates and controversy. While some argue for stricter immigration policies and a reevaluation of the ORR’s programs, others advocate for compassion and support for those in need. The Biden administration’s proposed budget for 2024 reflects a commitment to continuing the funding of refugee resettlement programs, but the discussion surrounding these programs is far from over.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...