Approximately 57,500 unaccompanied minors have crossed the border illegally since October. President Barack Obama has requested $3.7 billion to care for them, speed up deportation proceedings and attempt to deter illegal immigration. Senate Democrats proposed a $2.7 billion package, but the House Republicans offered less than $1 billion on July 25, instead of the $1.5 billion that had been expected. On July 29, House Republicans announced the funding has been pared down even further to a $659 million package. The large gap between the two Houses will not only be significant to state, federal and other government agencies, but also for future immigration policies.