Representative Mike Garcia (CA-25) sent a letter along with 43 fellow lawmakers to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, and Department of Justice (DOJ) 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 illegally in 2018 roughly $450,000 in compensation per person. This comes as the United States is experiencing the worst border crisis in decades.
 
“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,” the lawmakers wrote.
 
The lawmakers continued in their letter by comparing the $450,000 payment with the income of the average American household. 
 
“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 our 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,” the lawmakers wrote. 
 
Garcia is a first generation American and has been outspoken about the need to secure our border.
 
Fox News covered the letter here.