In yet another controversial move during his final days in office, Joe Biden is quietly wrapping up one of his administration’s failed immigration initiatives. The program, struck down by federal courts as unlawful, represents what critics call a pattern of administrative overreach that has characterized Biden’s approach to immigration policy.
The ill-fated “Keeping Families Together” program, launched by Biden in June of 2024, attempted to bypass existing immigration law by offering a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants married to American citizens. Like many of Biden’s executive actions, it faced immediate legal challenges from states concerned about its constitutionality.
However, the real shock comes in how the administration is choosing to close this chapter. And guess who’s footing the bill?
Biden Handing Out Millions In Refunds To Illegal Aliens
In a stunning development that exemplifies the administration’s priorities, Biden officials will now send approximately $55 million in taxpayer funds back to illegal immigrants who applied for the program. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed it will refund the $580 application fee to roughly 94,000 individuals who attempted to benefit from the unlawful amnesty initiative.
“The Biden Administration’s actions over the past four years are indicative of the contempt it holds for hard-working, tax paying Americans,” said America First Legal senior advisor Ian Prior.
“From the repeated failed attempts to force Americans to pay for student loan forgiveness to using their money to reimburse applicants to an illegal amnesty program, this administration’s legacy will be one of lawlessness and wastefulness,” he added.
The program’s demise came after a coalition of 16 state attorneys general, led by Texas and Idaho, successfully argued that the Department of Homeland Security had exceeded its statutory authority. Finally, some common sense prevailed when the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Texas ultimately found the order unlawful in November. This came as a significant blow to Biden’s immigration agenda.
Legal experts note that the Immigration and Nationality Act only allows for paroling migrants into the U.S. It does not allow for granting parole to those already in the country illegally. This distinction proved fatal to Biden’s program. This legal overreach mirrors similar attempts by the administration to circumvent congressional authority on immigration matters.
Concerning Timing Of These Refunds
The timing of these refunds is particularly concerning to conservative critics. Indeed, it comes just as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to implement stricter immigration enforcement measures. Trump has promised comprehensive immigration reform that prioritizes American citizens and legal immigrants. He plans to address the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants currently in the country.
The contrast between administrations couldn’t be starker. While Biden officials rush to return millions to illegal immigrants, American communities continue struggling with the costs and consequences of unprecedented illegal immigration. Border states face overwhelming pressure on their public services. Meanwhile, taxpayers foot an ever-growing bill for failed policies.
Does that sound like America First to you?
As the Biden administration prepares to exit, this final act of returning millions to illegal immigrants serves as a fitting bookend to four years of misguided immigration policies. With the incoming Trump administration promising to restore order to our immigration system, Americans can only hope that such costly experiments in executive overreach will soon be a thing of the past.
The $55 million in refunds stands as a stark reminder of the real price tag that comes with bypassing Congress and ignoring immigration laws. Sadly, this is a price that American taxpayers are once again being forced to pay.
Key Takeaways:
- Biden administration returned $55 million to illegal immigrants who applied for the unlawful amnesty program.
- Federal court ruled that the program exceeded executive authority, violating immigration law.
- Taxpayer funds are being used to refund 94,000 illegal immigrants during the border crisis.
- Timing of refunds comes as Trump prepares stronger immigration enforcement measures.
Sources: Daily Caller, Newsweek
