The Biden administration may be spending a minimum of $60 million weekly to support approximately 16,000 thousand migrant children and teenagers, US media reported on Thursday. 

The Department of Health and Human Services has rehabilitated all migrants in shelters operated by them. 

At $290 daily cost, 7,700 beds available in its network of permanent shelters were filled in the past couple of weeks amid a steady surge in migrants crossing the border, as per an analysis of government data obtained by the Washington Post. 

The capacity of the shelters has been reduced due to COVID-19. 

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At least 16,000 temporary beds have been put up in 10 big emergencies facilities by the Biden administration at military bases, convention centers and converted oil worker camps, reported the Washington Post. 

US Customs and Border Protection released statistics on Thursday according to which the authorities took in approximately 172,331 migrants.

An HHS  Administration for Children and Families spokesperson said emergencies facilities cost more “due to the need to develop facilities quickly and hire significant staff over a short period of time,” and added that it approximately costs $775 for one day. 

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The unaccompanied migrants are supposed to spend approximately 31 days in HHS’s custody before they can be sent to thoroughly vetted family member or appropriate sponsor residing in the US.

The government in total may be spending at least $24,000 for every minor living in these temporary facilities. This cost does cover the expenses related to their stay at the Border Patrol facility.

The government has been asked for a more detailed price bifurcation depending on different location but officials are yet to make an official statement. As per their predictions, around 22,000 -26,000 minors are expected to cross borders per month until September. 

The Biden administration however does not plan on asking Congress for more funding, reported the Washington Post. HHS’s Administration for Children and Families got $47.5 billion through the $1.9 trillion stimulus package. HHS secretary has the power to rewire the spending plans for the minors to give itself significant relief in shelter costs. 

The weekly $60 million expenditure does not include the total of tents sites being used. As per CBP officials, the biggest tent size costs $16 million monthly. 

Wolfe said, “HHS is committed to ensuring all unaccompanied children referred to our custody are cared for appropriately. To do so, we make every effort to ensure funds are used as effectively as possible to provide safe shelter and adequate services and that costs are contained to the degree possible.”