Biden scratches head when asked about possible payments to illegal migrants

close

Video

Biden scratches head when asked about possible payments to illegal migrants

Fox News asked President Biden if he was considering paying $450K to some illegal migrants

FIRST ON FOX: President Biden ignored a question from Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy on Sunday regarding his administration's reported plan to pay $450,000 per person to illegal immigrants who had been separated from their families during the Trump administration.

"Mr. President, is it true we're going to give $450,000 to border crossers who are separated?" Doocy shouted as Biden rode an escalator following his press conference in Rome at the conclusion of a two-day meeting with G-20 leaders.

Biden, who had been looking toward the camera while Doocy asked the question, responded by looking away and scratching his forehead.

President Biden speaks during a press conference in the G20 leaders' summit in Rome, Italy, Oct. 31, 2021.  (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)

The Wall Street Journal reported last Thursday that the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services are considering payments of $450,000 to family members who were separated after crossing the border illegally during the Trump administration.

The payments could amount to close to $1 million per family and $1 billion overall, though the Journal noted that many families would get smaller payouts.

BIDEN ADMINISTRATION DEBATES PAYING ‘HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS’ TO FAMILIES SEPARATED AT THE BORDER

The reported plan has drawn outrage and condemnation from critics, some of whom have pointed out that such payments would exceed those received by some families of 9/11 victims and Gold Star families.

Migrants make their way through Mexico to the U.S. border. 

The death gratuity for those who have lost loved ones in military service is a single tax-free payment of $100,000. There is also the Servicemember Group Life Insurance (SGLI), which is a life insurance program that maxes out at $400,000 and requires service members to have paid into it.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said the reported payments were "another way President Biden is putting America last."

"Lawyers in his own administration admit payouts to illegal immigrants could be more than the families of the fallen from 9/11 received," he said. "Disgraceful."

Fox News' Adam Shaw contributed to this report.