The Annual Cost of Illegal Immigration on American Households: Hundreds of Billions
Illegal immigration has long been a topic of contention in the United States, with critics arguing that it places a heavy burden on American taxpayers. The Biden administration, however, seems to be turning a blind eye to the fiscal strains caused by this issue, neglecting the toll it takes on our economy, the structural integrity of our nation, and the safety of our citizens.
Estimates suggest that illegal immigrants cost each household around $1,000 annually, adding up to over $120 billion a year. However, some sources, like Newsweek, hint that the true cost may be even higher, possibly reaching $150 billion annually. This amount is shared by both federal and state governments. In reality, the financial impact could be much worse than currently estimated.
The situation at the border continues to deteriorate with each passing day. In December alone, Border Patrol recorded 249,785 arrests along the Mexican border, marking a 31 percent spike from November and a 13 percent surge from the previous December’s record. Since President Joe Biden’s inauguration and the adoption of his open borders approach, over 7.2 million illegal immigrants have streamed into the United States through the southern border. Some estimates even place that number closer to 10 million. The lawlessness surrounding this issue makes it impossible to keep an accurate count.
The repercussions of illegal immigration cast long shadows over various aspects of our society. One major concern is the heightened crime rates associated with this issue. Additionally, suppressed wages and the depletion of taxpayer resources are major concerns. Public services face strain as illegal immigrants access emergency healthcare, enroll their children in public schools, and tap into social welfare programs. Some argue that their willingness to accept lower wages drives down earnings for all workers, leading to reduced tax revenues and increased reliance on social welfare programs among low-wage workers, citizens, and legal residents alike. Even our property tax is being used to support illegal immigrants. It is clear that this generational problem demands pragmatic consideration and competent leadership.
Another significant issue is the undocumented income that illegal immigrants may earn if they operate solely within cash transactions. This makes it difficult to accurately determine how much they are contributing to the tax system. Advocates for measures like the Fair Tax Act argue that a consumption tax would ensure revenue from cash transactions is taxed. However, there is still a debate about whether illegal immigrants are truly paying into our tax system and social security system.
Furthermore, a 2023 National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) paper titled “Measuring the Characteristics and Employment Dynamics of U.S. Inventors” reveals that the majority of innovation in America is driven by White and Asian individuals. The paper estimates that as of 2016, 96.5 percent of U.S. inventors were White or Asian. This raises an important question: Why are we allowing our borders to be overrun by illegal migrants when we need controlled and tactical immigration to contribute to our depleted social systems and drive the next wave of innovation? It seems contradictory to prohibit valuable workers from becoming American citizens while enticing unskilled and impoverished workers to enter the country and stay illegally.
These unanswered questions only add fuel to the fires of conspiracy and intrigue surrounding this issue. The Democratic Party’s reluctance to use the term “illegal immigrants,” echoed by figures like Nikki Haley, only adds to the confusion. As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis rightly pointed out, coming to this country illegally is illegal.
It is time for responsible leadership to step up and implement immigration policies that prioritize visas for highly skilled workers. Not only will this strengthen our domestic initiatives, but it will also stimulate innovation and bolster economic growth. It is beyond puzzling that the United States continues to welcome unskilled workers when our nation’s prosperity hinges on innovation and skilled labor. We must fast-track immigrants who are likely to innovate and create wealth, rather than prioritizing low-skilled workers.
In conclusion, the annual cost of illegal immigration on American households amounts to hundreds of billions of dollars. The Biden administration’s failure to address this issue adequately poses risks to our economy, the structural integrity of our nation, and the safety of our citizens. It is crucial that we prioritize controlled and tactical immigration, focusing on skilled workers who can contribute to our social systems and drive innovation. Only through responsible leadership and sound immigration policies can we ensure the well-being of the United States and its people.
