The United States government is considering compensating American Samoa, Hawaii, Guam and the Mariana Islands for providing for immigrants from Micronesia and the Marshall Islands.
The US congress is considering a $15 million package to fund them for hosting thousands of other Pacific Islanders.
Hawaii Senator Daniel Akaka says the funding should be at least twice as much.
He will introduce legislation next month to further boost federal aid to Hawaii and the territories.
Senator Akaka says the federal goverment should take financial responsibilty for the immigrants.
He says it is "unconscionable" for a state or territory to shoulder the entire financial burden.
