Biden administration gives California $45 million to help recently arrived migrants

WASHINGTON — 

The Biden administration is allocating $45 million to California programs that help migrants who have crossed the southern border.

The money is part of a $300-million national effort announced Friday by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Most of the California funding will be split between San Diego County and the Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego. More than $6 million goes to Riverside County.

An additional $341 million will be used to establish a competitive grant program and allocated before the end of the fiscal year Sept. 30, the administration said.

It’s less funding than programs helping migrants had hoped for, representing an 18% cut from last year’s $780-million total.

But California’s overall share is $3 million higher than last year; San Diego’s allotment rose by $10 million.

Border nonprofits including Jewish Family Service of San Diego are hailing the increase as a win that’s reflective of the recent uptick in migrant arrivals near the California border.

In an announcement Friday, the Department of Homeland Security called on Congress to pass a stalled bipartisan national security bill that included more border funding and other assistance.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom praised the administration and blamed House Republicans for failing to provide enough money to deal with the crisis.

“Let’s be clear: President Bid