The Negative Effects of Illegal Immigration on the U.S. Economy
They are Taking American Jobs
There is a perception that illegal immigrants are somehow stealing jobs from Americans, but the majority of times, this is not the case. Illegal immigrants are usually working physically taxing jobs at wages that most Americans, even those unemployed, will not work. Many Americans also suggest that the influx of low-skilled workers is a negative because it leads to more people who are dependent upon government and, consequently, the taxpayers. However, this is not entirely true. Illegal immigrants are eligible for very few public benefits, and they are hesitant to enroll in the few that they are eligible for (NILC).
They are Taking our Benefits without Paying Taxes
A study released by the Federation for American Immigration Reform, or FAIR, showed that in Maryland illegal immigrants and their dependents cost Maryland taxpayers $1.86 billion (FAIR Report in Maryland 1). However, this data represents the situation poorly because it neglects to consider the amount of taxes illegal immigrants pay (see Positive Impacts section), and it includes the children of illegal immigrants, many of which are natural-born United States citizens, in the costs. In an article written by Cort R. Kirkwood where he discusses the expenses illegal immigrants create, he states, “The largest expense for illegals is educating their American-born children.” It is extremely unfair to consider American citizens, who are receiving an education that will help them to become more productive members of society, as an expense that is created by illegal immigration. The chart below displays that these U.S. born citizens are actually performing much better than the children who are considered unauthorized and, in some cases, better than those deemed to be legal immigrants.
There is a perception that illegal immigrants are somehow stealing jobs from Americans, but the majority of times, this is not the case. Illegal immigrants are usually working physically taxing jobs at wages that most Americans, even those unemployed, will not work. Many Americans also suggest that the influx of low-skilled workers is a negative because it leads to more people who are dependent upon government and, consequently, the taxpayers. However, this is not entirely true. Illegal immigrants are eligible for very few public benefits, and they are hesitant to enroll in the few that they are eligible for (NILC).
They are Taking our Benefits without Paying Taxes
A study released by the Federation for American Immigration Reform, or FAIR, showed that in Maryland illegal immigrants and their dependents cost Maryland taxpayers $1.86 billion (FAIR Report in Maryland 1). However, this data represents the situation poorly because it neglects to consider the amount of taxes illegal immigrants pay (see Positive Impacts section), and it includes the children of illegal immigrants, many of which are natural-born United States citizens, in the costs. In an article written by Cort R. Kirkwood where he discusses the expenses illegal immigrants create, he states, “The largest expense for illegals is educating their American-born children.” It is extremely unfair to consider American citizens, who are receiving an education that will help them to become more productive members of society, as an expense that is created by illegal immigration. The chart below displays that these U.S. born citizens are actually performing much better than the children who are considered unauthorized and, in some cases, better than those deemed to be legal immigrants.