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Illegal immigration places a significant burden on American society, with taxpayers, healthcare systems, law enforcement, and crime victims bearing substantial costs that could be eliminated through proper enforcement of immigration laws.
Research from the Center for Immigration Studies reveals illegal immigration’s negative fiscal impact, with public service expenses surpassing any contributions. According to the Manhattan Institute, the 2021-2026 illegal immigrant surge will cost taxpayers $1.15 trillion over their lifetimes, exceeding the U.S. defense budget and nearly matching 2023 Social Security costs.
While the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy notes illegal immigrants paid $96.7 billion in combined taxes in 2022, this figure misrepresents the complete picture. Most undocumented immigrants avoid federal and state income taxes, make no Social Security or Medicare contributions, and consume more in public services than they provide in tax revenue.
🚨Birthright citizenship is for people whose parents are LEGALLY in our country. That is why we, along with 18 other states, are supporting President @realDonaldTrump's executive order.
The current loophole incentivizes birth tourism and illegal immigration, which costs… pic.twitter.com/UKWfpzAqVy
— AG Todd Rokita (@AGToddRokita) March 14, 2025
The economic growth argument also proves misleading. The Center for Migration Studies at NYU suggests legalizing undocumented individuals would add $1.2 trillion to the economy, inadvertently highlighting their current limited economic impact. Many work unofficially, avoiding payroll taxes, while their sales, excise, and property tax contributions would occur regardless if legal workers held these positions.
Government assistance creates an artificial economic impact, as illegal immigrants often spend taxpayer-funded benefits. Democrats present this redistribution of public money as economic growth, when it actually represents a circular flow of taxpayer dollars.
Healthcare facilities must provide emergency services regardless of immigration status, often leaving unpaid bills that burden hospitals and insured patients. Some facilities in high-immigration areas have closed due to financial strain, while states like California further impact taxpayers by providing free healthcare to undocumented residents.
The public service burden extends beyond healthcare. Schools must educate illegal immigrants’ children, while their U.S.-born offspring qualify for various welfare programs. States with large undocumented populations face significant education and welfare costs, with some offering additional benefits like in-state tuition and driver’s licenses.
Crime statistics from illegal immigrants are often underreported, particularly in sanctuary cities that avoid recording immigration status or cooperating with federal authorities. These crimes, regardless of rate, represent preventable incidents that burden law enforcement resources and impact victims unnecessarily.
Illegal immigration costs OVER $150B PER YR.
Illegal immigration will cost us $1T IN UNDER A DECADE.
Deporting illegals could cost $315B.
Ending the border crisis will help communities.
Ending the border crisis will make America safer.
Ending the border crisis will SAVE MONEY. pic.twitter.com/Xy5e55jjNb— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) December 8, 2024
Uninsured driving among illegal immigrants creates additional financial strain, with accident costs falling to victims and insurance providers, raising premiums for legal residents. Outstanding traffic violations and unpaid fines further impact municipal budgets.
Offering citizenship or benefits to illegal immigrants encourages continued illegal entry. While Democrats support programs driving illegal immigration and higher minimum wages, they overlook how ending illegal immigration would naturally increase wages and attract legal workers who contribute more substantially to the economy.
The contradiction in Democratic policy becomes apparent as they advocate for both increased minimum wages and illegal immigration. Stopping illegal entry would organically raise wages as businesses adapt to employing legal workers, eliminating the need for government-mandated minimums.
When assessing GDP contributions, the extensive costs of illegal immigration in public benefits, healthcare, law enforcement, and lost tax revenue reveal an overall economic drain rather than gain.
