A recent study found that illegal immigration costs American taxpayers about $180 billion per year. The news comes amid the increased debate over the flow of migrants across the border, which has accelerated since President Joe Biden took office in 2021.
According to the figures compiled by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), illegal immigration costs American taxpayers billions per year.
According to the study, state, local and federal governments spend about $182 billion on migrant-related costs. This included the expenses for about 5.4 million minors in the country illegally.
“That amounts to a cost burden of approximately $8,776 per illegal alien/citizen child. The burden of illegal immigration on U.S. taxpayers is both staggering and crippling, with the gross cost per taxpayer at $1,156 every year,” read the report.
“Illegal aliens only contribute roughly $32 billion in taxes at the state, local, and federal levels. This means that the net fiscal cost of illegal immigration to taxpayers totals approximately $150.7 billion,” the report said.
We were told that the migrant tents at Floyd Bennett Field (a flood zone) would be temporary. Now, we see more tents, larger fences, and more migrants. I warned that the State would use #FBF, and I warn now that the issue will only get worse. The city has no plan, and refuses to…
— Curtis Sliwa (@CurtisSliwa) April 17, 2024
The total cost includes almost $14 billion in state and federal welfare costs and another $42 billion in medical costs.
Despite this, there is an effort in Congress to expand the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) so that illegal immigrants can claim the credit for their citizen or legal resident children.
The crisis at the border received increased attention in Congress this week, especially amid the passage of three foreign aid packages. A border bill recommended by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) failed to receive the votes needed to pass.
Last year saw the highest level of attempted crossings in American history at more than three million. This included more than 300,000 migrants who attempted to enter the United States, which also set a new record.
The border saw a decrease in the number of attempted crossings in February, at least partially due to efforts by the state of Texas through Operation Lone Star to prevent future crossings. This includes the installation of razor wire and the deployment of the state’s National Guard and police.
