Murphy Leads GOP Letter Slamming Administration's Plan to Compensate Illegal Immigrants $450,000
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. led a letter with 43 GOP colleagues to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, and Attorney General Merrick Garland expressing urgent concern regarding a recent report from the Wall Street Journal that the Biden Administration is considering paying illegal immigrants who crossed the U.S. border in 2018 roughly $450,000 in compensation per person. This comes as the United States is experiencing the worst border crisis in decades.
"I was incredulous when I read the report that the Biden Administration wants to send half a million dollar checks to illegal immigrants who broke our laws" said Rep. Murphy. "It is unconscionable that this would even be a consideration right now as American families are hurting because of President Biden's failed policies. I am grateful to my colleagues who quickly rallied behind our effort to demand that DHS, DHHS, and the DOJ immediately reject $450,000 compensation for illegals – a truly asinine, pro-crime idea that will incentivize illegal immigration and open the floodgates for a surge at the border. President Biden must provide answers as to why this Administration cares more about people who knowingly and unlawfully entered into our country illegally than the American people."
In the letter the members say, "We write today with severe concerns regarding recent reports that your three agencies are in discussions to offer illegal immigrants that unlawfully crossed the U.S. border in 2018 roughly $450,000 per person in compensation. The rationale for this egregious abuse of taxpayer dollars is to compensate these persons for ‘lasting psychological drama.' Do, however, note that these persons crossed into our country in a knowingly illegal manner, fully aware of the consequences of violating our rule of law."
They continue, "Promising tens of thousands of dollars to those who unlawfully entered the United States would not only reward criminal behavior, but it would surely send a message to the world that our borders are open, and or rule of law will not be enforced. Compare this hefty compensation sum [$450,000] to the 2019 average median American household annual income of $68,703. Furthermore, compare it to the maximum payout from a SGLI life insurance policy for military members, which is $400,000. The idea that we would give illegal foreigners who broke the law a check that exceeds the amount that our government supplies to our valiant and heroic Gold Star Families is shameful, reprehensible, and morally indignant."
Co-signers of the letter include (44): Reps. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC), Andy Biggs (AZ), Elise Stefanik (NY), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA), Richard Hudson (NC), Tom McClintock (CA), Tim Burchett (TN), David McKinley (WV), David Rouzer (NC), Markwayne Mullin (OK), Diana Harshbarger (TN), Victoria Spartz (IN), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D., (IA), Ted Budd (NC), Jack Bergman (MI), Glenn Grothman (WI), Rick Crawford (AR), Jeff Duncan (SC), Bob Gibbs (OH), Gus Bilirakis (FL), Jeff Fortenberry (NE), Brian Mast (FL), Troy Balderson (OH), Pete Stauber (MN), Pete Sessions (TX), Lauren Boebert (CO), Michael Burgess, M.D. (TX), Vern Buchanan (FL), Ann Wagner (MO), Mike Garcia (CA), Sam Graves (MO), Morgan Griffith (VA), Bob Good (VA), Dan Bishop (NC), Guy Reschenthaler (PA), Van Taylor (TX), John Moolenaar (MI), Bill Huizenga (MI), Doug Lamborn (CO), Roger Williams (TX), Jim Hagedorn (MN), Claudia Tenney (NY), Louie Gohmert (TX), and Dan Crenshaw (TX).
Fox News carried the exclusive on this release.
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