January 1, Biden administration in talks to give $450,000 per person to families separated at the border

The Biden administration is considering paying up to $1 billion to immigrant families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border during the Trump administration. 

The Wall Street Journal reported that the departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services could end up paying out close to $1 million per immigrant family that was separated at the border. Sources told the outlet that a figure of around $450,000 per person is being considered, but that could change depending on each family’s circumstances.

“Damage class actions in this kind of case are pretty rare, it’s hard to think of a recent comparison,” said Margo Schlanger, a Homeland Security officer for civil rights and civil liberties during the Obama administration.

The Journal reports that lawyers representing immigrant families suing the federal government have been in talks with government layers over potential payouts. Some government lawyers reportedly found the amounts to be excessive.

In September, the Biden administration’s Interagency Task Force on the Reunification of Families released its latest progress report, confirming it had reunified 50 children separated from their parents and provided access to behavioral health services. Another 2,171 children were reunited with their families through a court order and the efforts of non-governmental organizations.

However, the report also confirmed that 1,727, or 33 percent, children still aren’t reunified with their families.

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Biden administration considering giving $450,000 per person to immigrants separated at the border