(TheRedWire.com) – Republican senators are considering possible cuts to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pilot program which helps illegal immigrants facing deportation. Democrats in the House are at the same time looking for another $20 million in funding for that same pilot program.
The Case Management Pilot Program was authorized by Congress in the 2021 DHS Appropriations Act. The program originally received $5 million in funding, and then an additional $20 million in the FY 23 appropriations bill. The program is set to provide “voluntary case management and other services” to illegal immigrants who are potentially facing deportation. The services include mental health services, school enrollment, legal aid, “cultural orientation programs” and other social services. There will also be human trafficking screenings for those who are being removed from the country.
The services are available to migrants who enrolled in ICE’s Alternative to Detention program through which more than 300,000 illegal immigrants are being tracked through ankle bracelets, phone check-ins, and apps.
However, the program is rather controversial because it includes spending on services provided to immigrants.
In November, sens. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, and Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., wrote to DHS asking for more data about the program. The DHS in their response noted that the program was created by Congress in the FY 2021 Appropriations Act, and it initially had $5 million in funding. The response also includes the different services that are available for migrants through the program.
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