California's nearly 3 million illegal residents add between $4 billion and $6 billion in incarceration, education and medical costs, according to state estimates.
But they also pay local sales taxes -- and often have Social Security and federal income taxes withheld from their paychecks. Across the U.S., illegal residents pumped $12 billion into the Social Security system in 2007, according to that agency's estimates.
That money goes to federal rather than local governments, whose short-term costs related to illegal immigrants may be larger than the revenues, according to most experts.
So what to do during a budget crisis? Bar hospital doors to illegal residents? Kick them out of schools? Toughen up the border? Maintain the status quo?
Anti-illegal immigration activists are campaigning for an initiative to cut off welfare payments to the U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants, even though those children are eligible because they are U.S. citizens. Doing so would save $640 million per year, according to the state.
The story you just read is only possible because readers like you support our mission to uncover truths that matter. If you value this reporting, help us continue producing high-impact investigations that drive real-world change. Your donation today ensures we can keep asking tough questions and bringing critical issues to light. Join us — because fearless, independent journalism depends on you!
InvestigateWest reporters uncovered years of sexual abuse by women’s prison guards prompting calls for independent investigation
Get the inside scoop in your inbox, free.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletters and never miss an investigation.
TRIPLE your gift today!
From now until Dec. 31, NewsMatch and a generous local donor will each match community donations, matching your new monthly donation 12 times or TRIPLE your new one-time gift, all up to $1,000.
