Bob Patterson, Concord Resident
Patterson Financial Services
Retirement Planning
Celebrating 23 Years
Here are some facts I dug up regarding our open border costs for the last 3 1/2 years:
FEMA and DHS have spent substantial funds to support humanitarian efforts related to the influx of migrants. Specifically, two key programs have been central in distributing this aid: the Emergency Food and Shelter Program-Humanitarian (EFSP-H) and the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), which replaced EFSP-H starting in FY2023.
- $110 million under the American Rescue Plan (2021)
- $150 million for FY2022 under the DHS Appropriations Act
- $425 million for FY2023 through additional appropriations
Additionally, for FY2023, Congress authorized $800 million for the newly established SSP. This amount was intended to assist local governments and nonprofits in managing migrants released from DHS custody, preventing overcrowding in border facilities.
In total, DHS and FEMA have allocated approximately $1.485 billion between EFSP-H and SSP since 2021, not including administrative costs or emergency allocations that may have been used by local agencies beyond the main federal programs.
These funds were distributed to local governments, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to provide food, shelter, and other essential services to migrants and ease the burden on overwhelmed border areas and communities across the U.S.
I noted one reporter who ingeniously decided to follow the bus loads of migrants to an unmarked building in Texas (an NGO, Non-Government Organization) where he was promptly escorted from the premises despite the fact that our tax dollars were being used to support their operation! What were they trying to hide? He never did follow up as he said he would. WHY?
The decision-making process for awarding grants to NGOs for assisting migrants is primarily handled by FEMA and DHS:
- EFSP-H Program: Managed by a National Board, which includes representatives from the American Red Cross, United Way, and other charitable organizations. This board determines how funding is allocated to local governments and NGOs that help migrants.
- Shelter and Services Program (SSP): The SSP program, initiated in 2023, involves a more direct role for DHS and FEMA. (Remember the Biden press secretary told us FEMA was not involved?) Funding allocations are determined based on criteria such as the volume of migrants in certain areas and the capacity of applicant organizations. Applications are evaluated through a competitive process based on these metrics, and FEMA issues guidelines and allocates funding accordingly.
The programs offer both reimbursement and advanced funding to recipients, making the system more responsive to the urgent needs of NGOs and local governments providing aid to migrants in transition from DHS custody to their immigration court proceedings.
This collaborative process ensures that funding is distributed where it is most needed while providing oversight and maintaining transparency in how the grants are awarded and used by NGOs and local jurisdictions. For more information on program mechanics and specific funding allocations, FEMA’s official communications provide detailed guidance.
Impact on Hospital Costs:
Undocumented immigrants can generate healthcare-related expenses, especially through emergency services, since they may not have insurance or regular access to preventive care.
- Emergency Care Costs:
U.S. federal law requires hospitals to provide emergency treatment to anyone, regardless of legal status, through the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). This often leads to unreimbursed care costs.
Education:
In 1982, the Supreme Court ruled in Plyler v. Doe that all children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to public education. This places additional strain on school budgets, particularly in states with large undocumented populations, which must also offer language support services.
WHY is our Congress funding these programs and WHY does Biden and Harris encourage this affront to America. With over 20% of children in Cleveland at the POVERTY level, why not spend the money on our children and not strangers coming into our country?
Think about this when you vote…it really matters who we chose!
Bob Patterson
Financial Services
10940 Girdled Road
Concord Township, Ohio 44077
Phone / Fax 440-352-0113
E-Mail rcpc111@aol.com
https://www.facebook.com/PattersonFinancial1
Categories: Community Activism, Contributors, Uncategorized