Only the most uninformed Americans feel undocumented workers are not of value to USA citizens. Sure, there are bad actors that are undocumented but only the most stupid among us, paint them all with the same brush.
Undocumented workers pay a lot in taxes, even though most can’t receive major federal benefits like Social Security retirement or Medicare:
In 2022, undocumented immigrants paid nearly $97 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.
What this means: U.S. citizens benefit from these tax revenues because they help fund public infrastructure, education, health programs, and local services that everyone uses.
Undocumented immigrants make up a significant share of the workforce in key sectors:
They represent a large part of labor in agriculture, maintenance, construction, food preparation, and other industries — jobs that many U.S. citizens are less likely to fill.
It keeps prices lower for consumers on food and services.
Their spending—on housing, transportation, food, utilities, etc.—supports U.S. businesses and jobs for citizens and other residents.
Economists have found that:
Providing legal status and a pathway to citizenship could boost U.S. GDP by hundreds of billions over a decade and create new jobs — which benefits workers of all statuses, including citizens.
Studies with historical evidence also show that when undocumented workers gain legal status, their earnings rise — which boosts tax contributions and consumer spending further.
Research also shows social and community benefits associated with immigrant populations:
Policies that allow immigrants to integrate (e.g., driver's licenses) can improve public safety and civic participation.
Here are the main ways undocumented immigrants have been shown to help U.S. citizens and communities:
They pay substantial taxes that fund public services used by citizens and residents.
They fill essential jobs in key sectors, supporting industries and keeping prices stable.
Their consumer spending fuels economic growth.
They contribute to long-term economic growth and labor force expansion.
Their integration into communities strengthens social life and local economies.
www.americanprogress.org
Undocumented workers pay a lot in taxes, even though most can’t receive major federal benefits like Social Security retirement or Medicare:
In 2022, undocumented immigrants paid nearly $97 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.
- They also contribute billions annually to Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes — but because they lack legal status, they generally cannot collect benefits.
- In specific states like Washington, undocumented immigrants were responsible for around $3 billion in taxes, supporting public services like schools, roads, and emergency services.
What this means: U.S. citizens benefit from these tax revenues because they help fund public infrastructure, education, health programs, and local services that everyone uses.
Undocumented immigrants make up a significant share of the workforce in key sectors:
They represent a large part of labor in agriculture, maintenance, construction, food preparation, and other industries — jobs that many U.S. citizens are less likely to fill.
It keeps prices lower for consumers on food and services.
- It keeps industries running (especially agriculture and hospitality) that would otherwise face labor shortages.
Their spending—on housing, transportation, food, utilities, etc.—supports U.S. businesses and jobs for citizens and other residents.
- Research estimates they pay $79.7 billion in federal taxes and $41 billion in state and local taxes annually, and also contribute significantly to mortgage and rental markets through housing costs.
Economists have found that:
Providing legal status and a pathway to citizenship could boost U.S. GDP by hundreds of billions over a decade and create new jobs — which benefits workers of all statuses, including citizens.
- Immigrants (including undocumented workers) contribute to labor force growth, which is crucial for an aging U.S. population and declining birth rates.
Studies with historical evidence also show that when undocumented workers gain legal status, their earnings rise — which boosts tax contributions and consumer spending further.
Research also shows social and community benefits associated with immigrant populations:
Policies that allow immigrants to integrate (e.g., driver's licenses) can improve public safety and civic participation.
- Immigrant families contribute to community life, including schools, faith communities, and local organizations.
Here are the main ways undocumented immigrants have been shown to help U.S. citizens and communities:
They pay substantial taxes that fund public services used by citizens and residents.
They fill essential jobs in key sectors, supporting industries and keeping prices stable. Their consumer spending fuels economic growth. They contribute to long-term economic growth and labor force expansion. Their integration into communities strengthens social life and local economies.
Why Immigration Relief Matters
Undocumented immigrants make significant economic contributions and are integral members of communities across the United States; immigration relief is necessary to continue growing the economy and strengthening communities nationwide, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
www.americanprogress.org
