(USA Features) President Joe Biden is actively considering offering Central American governments cash as a means of curbing the current illegal migrant crisis, according to a report Saturday.
Reuters quoted outgoing border czar Roberta Jacobson, who said the payments would be aimed at addressing underlying issues that are supposedly causing tens of thousands of citizens from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to go to the U.S.
“We’re looking at all of the productive options to address both the economic reasons people may be migrating, as well as the protection and security reasons,” a White House official confirmed.
In her interview, Jacobson did not provide details as to how the program would work other than to say money would not be directly paid to migrants.
“The one thing I can promise you is the U.S. government isn’t going to be handing out money or checks to people,” said Jacobson, who added she will be leaving the White House at the end of the month.
Republicans who learned of the plan expressed bewilderment and outrage.
“President Biden wants to try and buy our way out of his border crisis with taxpayer money. The Administration is spending $60 million a week, and now wants to launch a cash transfer program in Central America. This insults millions of Americans who are out of work in our country” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Twitter.
“Let me get this straight: Actual American citizens are struggling. But Dems want to send cash payments to people in Central America. And if you’re an illegal immigrant in New York? NY Dems want to give you $15,600. This is madness,” House Minority Whip Steve Scalise .