The Economics of Immigration Are Not What You Think

[Toro]

The New Policy Institute (NPI) asked me to review all of the available data and economic studies of recent U.S. immigration. With my colleague Jiwon Vellucci, we found, to start, that more than one-third of recent immigrants come from Europe and Asia, while less than 57 percent have come from Mexico and other Latin American nations. The popular portrait of recent immigrants is off-point in other respects as well. While more immigrants than native-born Americans lack high school diplomas, equivalent shares of both groups have college or post-college degrees. That finding should make it unsurprising that 28 percent of U.S. immigrants work as managers or professionals, including 38 percent of those who have become naturalized citizens or the same share as native-born Americans.

Many Americans would probably acknowledge that their concerns about immigration lie principally with those who are undocumented. No one likes being reminded that the world’s most powerful nation hasn’t figured out how to effectively police its own borders. But the data also show that these undocumented people, who account for 30 percent of all recent immigrants, embody some traditional values much more than native-born Americans. For example, while undocumented male immigrants are generally low-skilled, they also have the country’s highest labor participation rate: Among working-age men, 94 percent of undocumented immigrants work or actively are seeking work, compared to 83 percent of the native born. One critical reason is that undocumented immigrants are more likely to support traditional families with children: 47 percent of undocumented immigrants today are part of couples with children, compared to just 21 percent of native-born Americans.

The evidence regarding the impact of immigration on wages also turns up some surprising results. First, there’s simply no evidence that the recent waves of immigration have slowed the wage progress of average, native-born American workers. Overall, in fact, the studies show that immigration has increased the average wage of Americans modestly in the short-run, and by more over the long-term as capital investment rises to take account of the larger number of workers. Behind those results, however, lie winners and losers – although in both cases, the effects are modest. Among workers, the winners are generally higher-skilled Americans: For example, when a factory or hotel hires more low-skilled workers, demand also increases for the higher-skilled people who manage those workers or carry out other professional tasks for an enterprise that’s grown larger.

The losers are generally the lower-skilled workers who have to compete for jobs with recent immigrants. But studies also show that immigration reform might well take care of most of those effects. Following the 1986 immigration reforms, for example, previously-undocumented immigrants experienced big pay boosts – as much as 15 or 20 percent – and immigrants who already had legal status saw hefty wage gains, too. But the reforms also led to higher wages for lower-skilled native-born Americans. One reason is that undocumented people who gain legal status can move more freely to places with greater demand for their skills, reducing their competition with native-born people with similar skills. More important, their new legal status confers certain protections such as minimum wage and overtime rules. Today, about one-fourth of low-skilled workers in large American cities are paid less than the minimum wage, including 16 percent of native-born workers, 26 percent of legal immigrants, and 38 percent of undocumented workers. Ending the ability of unscrupulous employers to recruit people to work for less than the minimum wage would not only raise the incomes of those currently paid less than the minimum wage. It also would ease downward pressures on the wages of other lower-skilled Americans, which comes from the below-minimum wage workers. This process is something we have refered to as "closing the 'trap-door' under the minimum wage."

Looking again at immigrants generally, recent research also shows a strong entrepreneurial streak, with immigrants being 30 percent more likely than native-born Americans to start their own businesses. Nor are immigrants the fiscal drain that’s commonly supposed, at least not in the long term. In California and a few other states, immigrants today do entail a net, fiscal burden, principally reflecting the costs of public education for their children. But studies that use dynamic models to take account of the lifetime earnings of immigrants – most of whom arrive here post-school age and without elderly parents to claim Social Security and Medicare – show substantial net fiscal gains at the federal, state, and local levels.

The Economics of Immigration Are Not What You Think | NDN

 

[rdean]

I was going to start a thread called, "Illegal Immigration, Republicans and Unintended Consequences", but I can see that you already did.

I've spent the last couple of hours looking for info on the cost vs benefits to agriculture and other areas of the economy. There is very little data.

The concern I have is to make dramatic changes without any data.

We've seen the effects of "unintended consequences" and Iraq is a "perfect" example. The war was supposed to cost only 200 billion dollars, the people will greet us with "open arms", their oil would pay for the war, we would install a "stable democracy" that would be "friendly" to the US.

Instead, the war cost 3 trillion, we have signed contracts and treaties that forces us to bear the entire cost of rebuilding Iraq, the people made a "national hero" out of the guy that threw his shoes at our president, more than 4,000 Americans dead and 47,000 injured and maimed, and their constitution makes "Islam" the national religion and says all legislation to be based in Islam, women back in Burk as, the Christian population scattered or dead, and Iran is now the strongest country in the Middle East.

Those are called "unintended consequences", when things don't go according the the "script" written by Republican "elitist" intellectuals and thinkers.

From the report listed above, nearly 40% of illegals are white. Republicans don't seemed to be too concerned with them.
So what are the possible "unintended consequences" of this "war on the brown illegals"?

 

[Gunny]

The New Policy Institute (NPI) asked me to review all of the available data and economic studies of recent U.S. immigration. With my colleague Jiwon Vellucci, we found, to start, that more than one-third of recent immigrants come from Europe and Asia, while less than 57 percent have come from Mexico and other Latin American nations. The popular portrait of recent immigrants is off-point in other respects as well. While more immigrants than native-born Americans lack high school diplomas, equivalent shares of both groups have college or post-college degrees. That finding should make it unsurprising that 28 percent of U.S. immigrants work as managers or professionals, including 38 percent of those who have become naturalized citizens or the same share as native-born Americans.

Many Americans would probably acknowledge that their concerns about immigration lie principally with those who are undocumented. No one likes being reminded that the world’s most powerful nation hasn’t figured out how to effectively police its own borders. But the data also show that these undocumented people, who account for 30 percent of all recent immigrants, embody some traditional values much more than native-born Americans. For example, while undocumented male immigrants are generally low-skilled, they also have the country’s highest labor participation rate: Among working-age men, 94 percent of undocumented immigrants work or actively are seeking work, compared to 83 percent of the native born. One critical reason is that undocumented immigrants are more likely to support traditional families with children: 47 percent of undocumented immigrants today are part of couples with children, compared to just 21 percent of native-born Americans.

The evidence regarding the impact of immigration on wages also turns up some surprising results. First, there’s simply no evidence that the recent waves of immigration have slowed the wage progress of average, native-born American workers. Overall, in fact, the studies show that immigration has increased the average wage of Americans modestly in the short-run, and by more over the long-term as capital investment rises to take account of the larger number of workers. Behind those results, however, lie winners and losers – although in both cases, the effects are modest. Among workers, the winners are generally higher-skilled Americans: For example, when a factory or hotel hires more low-skilled workers, demand also increases for the higher-skilled people who manage those workers or carry out other professional tasks for an enterprise that’s grown larger.

The losers are generally the lower-skilled workers who have to compete for jobs with recent immigrants. But studies also show that immigration reform might well take care of most of those effects. Following the 1986 immigration reforms, for example, previously-undocumented immigrants experienced big pay boosts – as much as 15 or 20 percent – and immigrants who already had legal status saw hefty wage gains, too. But the reforms also led to higher wages for lower-skilled native-born Americans. One reason is that undocumented people who gain legal status can move more freely to places with greater demand for their skills, reducing their competition with native-born people with similar skills. More important, their new legal status confers certain protections such as minimum wage and overtime rules. Today, about one-fourth of low-skilled workers in large American cities are paid less than the minimum wage, including 16 percent of native-born workers, 26 percent of legal immigrants, and 38 percent of undocumented workers. Ending the ability of unscrupulous employers to recruit people to work for less than the minimum wage would not only raise the incomes of those currently paid less than the minimum wage. It also would ease downward pressures on the wages of other lower-skilled Americans, which comes from the below-minimum wage workers. This process is something we have refered to as "closing the 'trap-door' under the minimum wage."

Looking again at immigrants generally, recent research also shows a strong entrepreneurial streak, with immigrants being 30 percent more likely than native-born Americans to start their own businesses. Nor are immigrants the fiscal drain that’s commonly supposed, at least not in the long term. In California and a few other states, immigrants today do entail a net, fiscal burden, principally reflecting the costs of public education for their children. But studies that use dynamic models to take account of the lifetime earnings of immigrants – most of whom arrive here post-school age and without elderly parents to claim Social Security and Medicare – show substantial net fiscal gains at the federal, state, and local levels.

The Economics of Immigration Are Not What You Think | NDN

It's WAY more simpler than that wordy disclaimer. Fact is, they suck off of a social infrastructure they don't pay into. Trying to make it sound any more complicated than THAT is just smoke and mirrors.

I've worked around them for 10 years. They pack up like rats in the smallest apartment they can rent, work for cash, and send it home. Yet, if one of them is hurt, they can't be denied medical care.

Why do you think medical insurance is so high? Obama wants to fix it with some socialist solution instead of looking at the reasons. WE, the taxpaying public, foot the bill for the uninsured. While not all uninsured are illegals, all illegals ARE uninsured.

If a woman drops a baby this side of the border, we, the taxpayers, have to support that child AND his illegal mother to age 18.

This has nothing to do with politics. It's common sense, cause and effect.

Some people just don't want to look at the truth.

 

[Ravi]

I've yet to see a credible comparison that shows either way if they cost more or contribute more.

But excellent demonization, Gunny. Rats...that sounds familiar somehow.

 

[Gunny]

I've yet to see a credible comparison that shows either way if they cost more or contribute more.

But excellent demonization, Gunny. Rats...that sounds familiar somehow.

What do you call "credible"? Something that supports your views.

I live it and in it every day. Where do you think the largest city closest to the Texas/Mexico border is? Oh ... I only live in it.

Then there's the fact I do commercial construction which is where most illegals in this area ply their trades. Probably a split between that and agriculture.

Who have I demonized? I stated the obvious to ANYONE that looks at the facts. of course, I've never forgotten you think the "Golden Rule" means you have a right to tell me what I have to do with my money.

Does Romper Room have a message board where you can post amongst your peers?

 

[syrenn]

From the report listed above, nearly 40% of illegals are white. Republicans don't seemed to be too concerned with them.

illegal is illegal. I don't care if they are purple or green. ALL illegals need to be given the boot.




An interesting side note to unintended consequences in terms of the cheap labor that I see all of the time.

When you see knots of men, arms outstretched looking for work at places like the home depot or paint stores, the are interestingly enough mexican. I give them credit for their moxie and willingness to work. (that does not change my opinion of illegals needing to go home)

What is VERY interesting to me is what you DON'T see out there hustings for work. What you DONT see in the fields. What you don't see as dishwashers or maids.

Where are all of these people with signs "will work or food"? Where are all of these whining welfare slugs trying to hustle for a job? I never see street bum's in those groups wanting to work.

To be blunt I don't see whites or blacks out there hustings for work.

A novel question, why aren't any of these people out there willing to work? Have we made institutional welfare such a great deal that working for a living is to far beneath their standards?

Could it be that the unintended consequences are the fault of lazy americans who would prefer not to work and get a check every month free of charge?

Could it be that the unintended consequences are the direct result of the welfare system.

 

[rdean]

I've yet to see a credible comparison that shows either way if they cost more or contribute more.

But excellent demonization, Gunny. Rats...that sounds familiar somehow.

What do you call "credible"? Something that supports your views.

I live it and in it every day. Where do you think the largest city closest to the Texas/Mexico border is? Oh ... I only live in it.

Then there's the fact I do commercial construction which is where most illegals in this area ply their trades. Probably a split between that and agriculture.

Who have I demonized? I stated the obvious to ANYONE that looks at the facts. of course, I've never forgotten you think the "Golden Rule" means you have a right to tell me what I have to do with my money.

Does Romper Room have a message board where you can post amongst your peers?

If you make these assertions without any "evidence", then people think you are a flaming, lying asshole.

for instance:

If a woman drops a baby this side of the border, we, the taxpayers, have to support that child AND his illegal mother to age 18.

Federal law says that if an illegal is residing in a household, then that the household is NOT eligible for either food stamps or welfare and federal employees must report them. I previously posted a link to this law. Where are your links? If you can provide a link proving that illegals can receive welfare and food stamps, then people will know you are NOT a flaming, lying asshole.

Why do you think medical insurance is so high?

It's high because health care companies have been deregulated. Add the fact that CEO's make tens of millions of dollars. A perfect example is Cigna, 5 of it's executives are among the top 50 highest paid executives in the US. The company has two private jets wholly owned. Cigna makes ALL of it's money from skimming off the insurance policies of the people who pay Cigna for coverage. They are famous for dropping the policies of people who get sick. Sick people don't bring in money.

Life Insurance Company Of North America (CIGNA) wrongfully denies disability benefits to a Kentucky repairman

I was injured in an accident and am right now unable to walk while I await reconstructive surgery on my back. I have a disability insurance policy through Cigna and I applied for benefits but they denied my claim for short-term disability benefits. What can I do about this Cigna disability denial? Can I sue Cigna for denying my disability? I have had the policy for years and I thought I was protected.

How do I appeal a denied cigna disability claim? | DisabilityLawyers.com

After a "Good Morning America" Gets Answers story in April about a breast cancer survivor's battle to get disability insurance benefits from Cigna Group Insurance, we received a flood of e-mails from viewers who were struggling with similar problems.

Denied: Fighting For Insurance Coverage - ABC News

------There are many stories from that one insurance company. Why do those on the right defend these institutions? Why?

Many Americans use he emergency room as their only source of health care. Stopping that was one of the reasons behind the HCB. Hispanics aren't the only ones. As noted above, nearly 40% of illegals are white and coming from Europe. What about them?

 

[rdean]

From the report listed above, nearly 40% of illegals are white. Republicans don't seemed to be too concerned with them.

illegal is illegal. I don't care if they are purple or green. ALL illegals need to be given the boot.




An interesting side note to unintended consequences in terms of the cheap labor that I see all of the time.

When you see knots of men, arms outstretched looking for work at places like the home depot or paint stores, the are interestingly enough mexican. I give them credit for their moxie and willingness to work. (that does not change my opinion of illegals needing to go home)

What is VERY interesting to me is what you DON'T see out there hustings for work. What you DONT see in the fields. What you don't see as dishwashers or maids.

Where are all of these people with signs "will work or food"? Where are all of these whining welfare slugs trying to hustle for a job? I never see street bum's in those groups wanting to work.

To be blunt I don't see whites or blacks out there hustings for work.

A novel question, why aren't any of these people out there willing to work? Have we made institutional welfare such a great deal that working for a living is to far beneath their standards?

Could it be that the unintended consequences are the fault of lazy americans who would prefer not to work and get a check every month free of charge?

Could it be that the unintended consequences are the direct result of the welfare system.

It's not that easy to get welfare. There is a vast difference between what people imagine and what is.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTwpBLzxe4U]YouTube - Craig T. Nelson on Government Aid[/ame]

 

[Gunny]

I've yet to see a credible comparison that shows either way if they cost more or contribute more.

But excellent demonization, Gunny. Rats...that sounds familiar somehow.

What do you call "credible"? Something that supports your views.

I live it and in it every day. Where do you think the largest city closest to the Texas/Mexico border is? Oh ... I only live in it.

Then there's the fact I do commercial construction which is where most illegals in this area ply their trades. Probably a split between that and agriculture.

Who have I demonized? I stated the obvious to ANYONE that looks at the facts. of course, I've never forgotten you think the "Golden Rule" means you have a right to tell me what I have to do with my money.

Does Romper Room have a message board where you can post amongst your peers?

If you make these assertions without any "evidence", then people think you are a flaming, lying asshole.

for instance:

If a woman drops a baby this side of the border, we, the taxpayers, have to support that child AND his illegal mother to age 18.

Federal law says that if an illegal is residing in a household, then that the household is NOT eligible for either food stamps or welfare and federal employees must report them. I previously posted a link to this law. Where are your links? If you can provide a link proving that illegals can receive welfare and food stamps, then people will know you are NOT a flaming, lying asshole.

Why do you think medical insurance is so high?

It's high because health care companies have been deregulated. Add the fact that CEO's make tens of millions of dollars. A perfect example is Cigna, 5 of it's executives are among the top 50 highest paid executives in the US. The company has two private jets wholly owned. Cigna makes ALL of it's money from skimming off the insurance policies of the people who pay Cigna for coverage. They are famous for dropping the policies of people who get sick. Sick people don't bring in money.

Life Insurance Company Of North America (CIGNA) wrongfully denies disability benefits to a Kentucky repairman

I was injured in an accident and am right now unable to walk while I await reconstructive surgery on my back. I have a disability insurance policy through Cigna and I applied for benefits but they denied my claim for short-term disability benefits. What can I do about this Cigna disability denial? Can I sue Cigna for denying my disability? I have had the policy for years and I thought I was protected.

How do I appeal a denied cigna disability claim? | DisabilityLawyers.com

After a "Good Morning America" Gets Answers story in April about a breast cancer survivor's battle to get disability insurance benefits from Cigna Group Insurance, we received a flood of e-mails from viewers who were struggling with similar problems.

Denied: Fighting For Insurance Coverage - ABC News

------There are many stories from that one insurance company. Why do those on the right defend these institutions? Why?

Many Americans use he emergency room as their only source of health care. Stopping that was one of the reasons behind the HCB. Hispanics aren't the only ones. As noted above, nearly 40% of illegals are white and coming from Europe. What about them?

When you get a real argument, come on back. As usual our Rdone.

 

[syrenn]

From the report listed above, nearly 40% of illegals are white. Republicans don't seemed to be too concerned with them.

illegal is illegal. I don't care if they are purple or green. ALL illegals need to be given the boot.




An interesting side note to unintended consequences in terms of the cheap labor that I see all of the time.

When you see knots of men, arms outstretched looking for work at places like the home depot or paint stores, the are interestingly enough mexican. I give them credit for their moxie and willingness to work. (that does not change my opinion of illegals needing to go home)

What is VERY interesting to me is what you DON'T see out there hustings for work. What you DONT see in the fields. What you don't see as dishwashers or maids.

Where are all of these people with signs "will work or food"? Where are all of these whining welfare slugs trying to hustle for a job? I never see street bum's in those groups wanting to work.

To be blunt I don't see whites or blacks out there hustings for work.

A novel question, why aren't any of these people out there willing to work? Have we made institutional welfare such a great deal that working for a living is to far beneath their standards?

Could it be that the unintended consequences are the fault of lazy americans who would prefer not to work and get a check every month free of charge?

Could it be that the unintended consequences are the direct result of the welfare system.

It's not that easy to get welfare. There is a vast difference between what people imagine and what is.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTwpBLzxe4U]YouTube - Craig T. Nelson on Government Aid[/ame]

In CA it is very easy to get welfare. I am not speaking of illegals on welfare. I am speaking of lazy slug americans on welfare not out there hustling looking for or WANTING to work.

What would happen if all of those looking for a government hand out were given one of these "illegals" jobs. The employer still paying the low wage and the government only covering the difference to amount to minimum wage. Trust me I am very for this idea. I am tried of everyone whining about the illegals "taking" jobs, when the truth is the welfare system has made lazy slugs out of americans.

 

[rdean]

illegal is illegal. I don't care if they are purple or green. ALL illegals need to be given the boot.




An interesting side note to unintended consequences in terms of the cheap labor that I see all of the time.

When you see knots of men, arms outstretched looking for work at places like the home depot or paint stores, the are interestingly enough mexican. I give them credit for their moxie and willingness to work. (that does not change my opinion of illegals needing to go home)

What is VERY interesting to me is what you DON'T see out there hustings for work. What you DONT see in the fields. What you don't see as dishwashers or maids.

Where are all of these people with signs "will work or food"? Where are all of these whining welfare slugs trying to hustle for a job? I never see street bum's in those groups wanting to work.

To be blunt I don't see whites or blacks out there hustings for work.

A novel question, why aren't any of these people out there willing to work? Have we made institutional welfare such a great deal that working for a living is to far beneath their standards?

Could it be that the unintended consequences are the fault of lazy americans who would prefer not to work and get a check every month free of charge?

Could it be that the unintended consequences are the direct result of the welfare system.

It's not that easy to get welfare. There is a vast difference between what people imagine and what is.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTwpBLzxe4U]YouTube - Craig T. Nelson on Government Aid[/ame]

In CA it is very easy to get welfare. I am not speaking of illegals on welfare. I am speaking of lazy slug americans on welfare not out there hustling looking for or WANTING to work.

What would happen if all of those looking for a government hand out were given one of these "illegals" jobs. The employer still paying the low wage and the government only covering the difference to amount to minimum wage. Trust me I am very for this idea. I am tried of everyone whining about the illegals "taking" jobs, when the truth is the welfare system has made lazy slugs out of americans.

Do you think the Republican base would ever accept jobs picking produce?

 

[JBeukema]

Federal law says that if an illegal is residing in a household, then that the household is NOT eligible for either food stamps or welfare and federal employees must report them. I previously posted a link to this law. Where are your links? If you can provide a link proving that illegals can receive welfare and food stamps, then people will know you are NOT a flaming, lying asshole.

They don't go to our schools or show up in our ERs?

 

[JBeukema]

Illegal Aliens Get Millions In Monthly Welfare Checks | Judicial Watch

 

[JBeukema]

SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is a federal cash benefit program for persons 65 or older, or those who are blind or have a disability. SSI payments are generally unavailable to most people already receiving Social Security benefits, though an individual may be able to receive both if combined household income and resources fall within the SSI limits. Besides cash payments, persons who are eligible for SSI are automatically eligible for most state-administered Medicaid programs.
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  Full-page Behind the Bar Archive

SSI is funded through the payroll taxes of Americans. But you don't have to be an American to receive SSI payments. Like food stamps, Medicaid and almost every other form of social insurance that America has developed to help its citizens, SSI is targeted by people from other countries as a tool to materially improve their lives without work.
The 1996 Welfare Reform Act may have erected barriers to a non-citizen's eligibility for SSI, but it did not come close to ending it. The very group Congress sought to make ineligible for SSI, people who may have entered the U.S. illegally but through a series of happy accidents permanently reside here under color of law ("PRUCOL" aliens), has been able to hold on to SSI eligibility through a combination of lawyering and lobbying.

FOXNews.com - Illegal Aliens Eligible for Social Security Benefits - Opinion

 

[syrenn]

Do you think the Republican base would ever accept jobs picking produce?

I would think you mean the liberals since they are the ones singing out they are the oppressed "have not's" in need of jobs. That is besides the point. Stop trying to make what I am a right or left thing.

There are poor rights and lefts on welfare lists across this country. And I see neither out there wiling to work for low paying jobs. They feel entitled, they feel the government owes them a living. They don't want to work for a living.


Gunny: Ive got a question for you. Since you say you are in construction in a border town in TX.

Do you ever see poor whites or blacks out there hustling for work like the mexicans? Do you ever see american citizens on welfare looking for a low paying cash job to supplement their welfare?

 

[syrenn]

The Economics of Immigration Are Not What You Think | NDN

Looking again at immigrants generally, recent research also shows a strong entrepreneurial streak, with immigrants being 30 percent more likely than native-born Americans to start their own businesses. Nor are immigrants the fiscal drain that’s commonly supposed, at least not in the long term. In California and a few other states, immigrants today do entail a net, fiscal burden, principally reflecting the costs of public education for their children. But studies that use dynamic models to take account of the lifetime earnings of immigrants – most of whom arrive here post-school age and without elderly parents to claim Social Security and Medicare – show substantial net fiscal gains at the federal, state, and local levels.

And these are the LEGAL immigrants they are talking about. If LEGAL immigrant children are placing a fiscal burden on taxpayers. What do you think the ILLEGAL ones are doing?

 

[rdean]

Illegal Aliens Get Millions In Monthly Welfare Checks | Judicial Watch

From your "article"

An example of who the state cuts the monthly checks to is an unemployed 43-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico who gets $650 a month for each of her four children and about $500 in federal food stamps and other vouchers.

That's $3,100.00 per month or $37,000.00 per year.

Does that sound believable? So I checked the links from your "article" because it seems so unbelievable and they said, oh wait, they didn't say anything. Because there were no links.

No one is denying that California has a problem. No one is denying that there is an immigration problem. But stories like this? Honestly.

 

[rdean]

The Economics of Immigration Are Not What You Think | NDN

Looking again at immigrants generally, recent research also shows a strong entrepreneurial streak, with immigrants being 30 percent more likely than native-born Americans to start their own businesses. Nor are immigrants the fiscal drain that’s commonly supposed, at least not in the long term. In California and a few other states, immigrants today do entail a net, fiscal burden, principally reflecting the costs of public education for their children. But studies that use dynamic models to take account of the lifetime earnings of immigrants – most of whom arrive here post-school age and without elderly parents to claim Social Security and Medicare – show substantial net fiscal gains at the federal, state, and local levels.

And these are the LEGAL immigrants they are talking about. If LEGAL immigrant children are placing a fiscal burden on taxpayers. What do you think the ILLEGAL ones are doing?

I read it as:

"One reason is that undocumented people who gain legal status can move more freely to places with greater demand for their skills, reducing their competition with native-born people with similar skills."

Doesn't mean they CAME here legally. Only that they managed to gain legal status.

 

[syrenn]

The Economics of Immigration Are Not What You Think | NDN

Looking again at immigrants generally, recent research also shows a strong entrepreneurial streak, with immigrants being 30 percent more likely than native-born Americans to start their own businesses. Nor are immigrants the fiscal drain that’s commonly supposed, at least not in the long term. In California and a few other states, immigrants today do entail a net, fiscal burden, principally reflecting the costs of public education for their children. But studies that use dynamic models to take account of the lifetime earnings of immigrants – most of whom arrive here post-school age and without elderly parents to claim Social Security and Medicare – show substantial net fiscal gains at the federal, state, and local levels.

And these are the LEGAL immigrants they are talking about. If LEGAL immigrant children are placing a fiscal burden on taxpayers. What do you think the ILLEGAL ones are doing?

I read it as:

"One reason is that undocumented people who gain legal status can move more freely to places with greater demand for their skills, reducing their competition with native-born people with similar skills."

Doesn't mean they CAME here legally. Only that they managed to gain legal status.

I understand that. The point is that they are now in fact legal. And that most legal immigrants are willing to work and to better themselves.

That does not change my stance that all illegals need to be ousted from this country, their jobs dried up, their employers fined out of business, and their children given the citizenship of their illegal mother. If they want to come in and be legal, then go though the legal process and apply for citizenship.

 

[JBeukema]

When someone breaks into my home, I don't care how much of my food they eat. Whether they eat it all or just an apple, the fact of the matter is that they broke into my house.