Biden admin announces $300 million in grants to support illegal immigrants through DHS

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the allocation of $300 million in grants through the Shelter and Services Program (SSP) aimed at bolstering support services for migrants who came over the border illegally and are now in the US. 

Of the total amount, $275 million will be immediately distributed, with an additional $25 million reserved for later in the year to accommodate evolving operational requirements. The funding will primarily assist with temporary shelters and other associated costs related to housing and services for illegal immigrants navigating the immigration system.

In addition to this allocation, DHS has announced an extra $340 million through the Shelter and Services Program-Competitive grant program, set to be disbursed by the end of the fiscal year. These funds aim to further enhance support services for illegal immigrants across the country.

“DHS efforts to manage and secure our borders in a safe, orderly, and humane way include support for communities, as well as strengthened consequences for those without a lawful basis to remain and an expansion of lawful pathways that have helped reduce the number of encounters from specific populations,” stated DHS in a statement.

DHS also claimed that the funding falls short of meeting the substantial demand. The department emphasized the need for additional resources, calling on Congress to pass the bipartisan border security agreement. 

“Due to the substantial demand that exceeds the limited SSP program funding authorized by Congress, not all requests can be fulfilled. DHS continues to call on Congress to pass the bipartisan border security agreement, which would in part provide an additional $1.4 billion in SSP funds, and provide additional needed tools and resources to respond to historic global migration,” DHS concluded in its statement. 

Last year, over $780 million in funding was awarded through both the SPP and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program - Humanitarian Awards (EFSP-H), and went to organizations and cities across the country.