Most illegal immigrants in US receive government benefits, costing taxpayers billions: experts
This week, the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether to count self-identified
illegal immigrants in the 2020 census. Cities worry adding the citizenship question could undercount 6.5 million people. Their argument, however, isn't just about political power but billions of dollars in federal funds states expect.
The case underscores what experts say is a growing cost to taxpayers from the
surge of Central American families and
unaccompanied minors.
"We're talking about
billions of dollars in taxpayer benefits over the next few years," said Dan Stein, director of the right-leaning think tank, Federation for American Immigration Reform. "The payout for the taxpayer is enormous and income to the Treasury is miniscule."
A FAIR study in 2017 found
illegal immigrants are a net consumer of taxpayer benefits worth more than
$100 billion a year, not including the cost of enforcing the border.
While federal benefits are supposed to be off limits, in practice many are not. More than 25,000 undocumented workers receive
subsidized housing, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Children receive
free education and most qualify for
English lessons and free school breakfast and lunch.
Most illegal immigrants in US receive government benefits, costing taxpayers billions: experts
At this rate, how can we survive as a nation if we continue to let this happen?