Jacobs pushes to keep payments from immigrants who entered country illegally

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) cosponsored the Illegal Immigrant Payoff Prohibition Act to prevent the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) from providing payments to illegal immigrants stemming from claims following their illegal entry into the United States.

“The administration’s secret plan to reward illegal immigrants with $450,000 each for breaking our laws is sickening, and it should be insulting to every American. This payment would be larger than the amount awarded to Gold Star families after the death of a loved one in our armed services,” Jacobs said. “Let that sink in. President Biden’s Justice Department wants to give more money to those who enter our country illegally than those who fought died for our nation and our freedom.”

Last week the Wall Street Journal reported the Justice Department was considering giving $450,000 each to certain illegal immigrants who were separated at the southern border during the Trump administration. Many were separated due to safety and child trafficking concerns when there was not a clear ability to verify the identity and familial connection of an adult. When asked this week, President Biden claimed reports of these payments were “garbage” only for the ACLU to assert he was out of the loop and had not been fully briefed by his DOJ officials.

For reference, the current payment awarded to the family of a service member killed in the line of duty is only $100,000. The Biden administration’s plan would surpass this four times over.

“At every turn, the President and his administration have blatantly ignored our southern border. When they focus on it, they encourage illegal immigration instead of stopping it. This plan sends a clear message that you can break our laws, and not only will we not arrest you, but we will also reward you,” Jacobs said. “I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to stop these payments and protect the sanctity of our laws.”