FAIR has released their latest report on the costs of illegal aliens to taxpayers. The main costs are in education, health care and prison costs for illegal aliens in jail.
North County Time.
California’s nearly 3 million illegal immigrants cost taxpayers nearly $9 billion each year, according to a new report released last week by the Federation for American Immigration Reform, a Washington, D.C.-based group that promotes stricter immigration policies.
Educating the children of illegal immigrants is the largest cost, estimated at $7.7 billion each year, according to the report. Medical care for illegal immigrants and incarceration of those who have committed crimes are the next two largest expenses measured in the study, the author said.
…
Jack Martin, who wrote the report, said Thursday that the $9 billion figure does not include other expenses that are difficult to measure, such as special English instruction, school lunch programs, and welfare benefits for American workers displaced by illegal immigrant workers.
“It’s a bottom of the range number,” Martin said.
FAIR drew from the U.S. Census report and other sources. This study matches an earlier study By the Center for Immigration Reform (CIS) that I reported on (see: “Latest Report: Illegal Aliens Cost Taxpayers $10 Billion A Year” from Sep. 4, 2004). Of course you can’t do any straight reporting on this issue without having some pro illegal alien advocate group playing the race card once again to justify the illegal behavior of these people who suck dry our tax system and run emergency rooms into bankruptcy.
Gerardo Gonzalez, director of Cal State San Marcos’ National Latino Research Center, which compiles data on Latinos, criticized the report. He said it does not measure some of the contributions that immigrants make to the state’s economy.
“Beyond taxes, these workers’ production and spending contribute to California’s economy, especially the agricultural sector,” Gonzalez said.
Immigrants, both legal and illegal, are the backbone of the state’s nearly $28 billion-a-year agricultural industry, Gonzalez and other researchers say.
More than two-thirds of the estimated 340,000 agriculture workers in California are noncitizens, most of whom are believed to be illegal immigrants, according to a 1998 study on farmworkers prepared for the state Legislature.
Local farmers say migrant farmworkers are critical to their businesses, and without them they would have to close their farms or move their operations overseas.
These advocate groups really don’t have a leg to stand on. The only arguments they ever try to use is racism or that all these fact based reports are wrong and that the production of these illegal aliens is higher than if a legal worker earning a decent wage and didn’t require all the tax sucking benefits.
Martin disagrees. He said illegal immigrants displace American workers by taking low-skilled jobs, keep wages low by creating an overabundance of workers and stifle innovation by reducing the need for mechanized labor.
“The product of the illegal immigrant is not included (in the report) because if that is an essential product it will get done one way or another,” Martin said. Employers “would have to pay better wages or invest money on mechanization.”
Martin’s study looks specifically at the costs of educating illegal immigrants’ children, providing medical care to illegal immigrants and jailing those convicted of committing crimes. The report estimates the total cost at $10.5 billion each year, but that is offset by about $1.7 billion in taxes that illegal immigrants pay.
OK, sounds pretty backed up by facts. Sounds reasonable. So what could the advocates for illegal aliens possibly say about this report and its facts?
“I think FAIR is without doubt an extremist organization that tries to portray itself as a mainstream group,” said Christian Ramirez, director of the San Diego office of the American Friends Service Committee, an advocate group for legal and illegal immigrants.
Good rebuttal there by a representative for illegal aliens.
The article goes on to break down the numbers in the report further. Go read it for specific numbers. One that stands out though is the estimated $7.7 billion in education spending for illegal alien children. Having kid in Californian schools I can attest to the huge class sizes, low student-to-teacher interaction and the extraordinary amount of time wasted on those students who can’t speak English fluently enough. So while the dollar number is $7.7 billion, the overall costs to actual legal citizens of this country’s children who pay for these schools is immeasurable.
Martin said states bear most of the cost of illegal immigration.
“State costs are much higher on a per capita basis because of the fact that the largest expenses are medical care and education and those are borne at the local level, not the federal,” Martin said.
In this time of California’s budget crisis this should be priority one in reducing expenses in the state.
California’s Illegal Aliens Cost Taxpayers Nearly $9 Billion A Year
July 3, 2008 by morganwrites
NINE BILLION A YEAR? and people in california wonder why the state is broke and having to cut alot of services and raise taxes again?
james – Being a resident of California for 35 years, I’ve seen our state go from being one of the richest, vibrant, Republican state to a Liberal-Leftist cesspool – and that’s why the taxes are obscene, services are slashed and we don’t have the man power, regardless of the National Guard, of putting out the 100+ fires that are still burning.
Take care and Happy Fourth of July!
Americans better replace as many democrats as they can and better not give one party power. As a mattler of fact they need to replace them every two years no matter who is running against them. Americans better tell Obama and Mccain they are 250 more million then the hispanic but they have their tongue in for their Corporate sponsors looking to override the will of Americans with illegal and immigrants voters.
Felicia King – Very astute observation on your part. Yes, our political-corporate institution is skewed and that’s why we’re in such a mess – here’s a link that you might wish to follow, it’s a real eye-opener: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7WJeqxuOfQ
Thanks for adding your voice to this subject.
Its a sad truth that Americans don’t have the guts to do something about this problem the Illegal aliens activist have neutered all you whities by calling you racist if you stand up to this nonsense. furthermore. we are all guilty of hiring these people in one place or another and as a result we the Californians life as we know it is slowly declining because we can afford the anchor babies welfare for everyone of their kids, it is a travesty to us Mex/Americans who have worked “Legally”to have such a nice society and for the Mexican nation to unload all their poor in our rich State that is less that 300 years is not sustainable that is for sure. GOD HELP AMERICA, act now! http://www.numbersusa.com/content/
Vasquez
I agree with you on most of what you said and you said it very well.
It’s the Democratic-Liberals who have no “guts to do something about this problem” and, unfortunately they control the congress.
I’ve lived in California since 1972 – in Sacramento, Bay Area, San Diego and now in Truckee. I’ve seen our state go to hell, and it’s not because of the migrant population, it’s because of the illegal migrant influx.
The majority of Mexicans who have moved here are truly wonderful people – I have no issue with them.
It’s the illegal’s that have ruined and continue to ruin our state as well as countless others.
By the way, did you mean to say “can’t afford the anchor babies welfare”..?
Thanks for jumping in and speaking your mind.
You’ll always be welcome to stop by again.
I would first like start off by taking this opportunity to thank you not only for this informative post but also for your overall blog. I found it fascinating to get your opinions on some of the issues California and America in general is facing with illegal immigration today. I am glad that you chose to include the report conducted by FAIR recently on your blog. As evidence from the article’s persuasive tone, I firmly believe your ability to exude magnetism through your writing style, which is a quality trait that clearly distinguishes you as a successful writer from others. I find it very interesting how you capture the opinions of two different people who have very different views on illegal immigration. Including quotes from the man who actually administered the FAIR report and Gerardo Gonzalez, director of Cal State San Marcos’ National Latino Research Center provides your reader with key information that leads them to pursue their own opinion on what the issues at hand really are and come to a decision on who is right and who is wrong. On the other hand, while I believe the facts and statistics that you incorporated in your entry are necessary elements, some of them are not well supported and seem a bit deceiving. For example, you use Jack Martins information that the report estimates the total cost at $10.5 billion each year, but that is offset by about $1.7 billion in taxes that illegal immigrants pay. I would have liked to have seen where some of this information was obtained from. Although I find your blog very informative, I would have liked to read your opinion on the research mentioned. It would have been beneficial for me to read the thoughts and ideas of someone who has dedicated her time to researching some of the effects of illegal immigration on the American economy. With great information provided in your blog, do you feel that the information provided in the FAIR report is really accurate since they are only actually using estimations in the data and not hard core evidence to support their statistics? Lastly, I admire your initiative in providing valid information in your blog. I really enjoyed the information you provided and I wish to read more blogs pertaining to immigration in the future.
Miguel –
First of all, I wish to thank you for your comment. It’s rare that, in the blogging world, we bloggers get such an erudite response.
Secondly, Jack Martin is the Director of Special Projects for FAIR. You might wish to visit their site for more information.
Thirdly, I mentioned that the $10.5 billion figure was offset by about $1.7 billion in taxes – and the information was obtained from FAIR’s report.
I did not include the link to their report but will do so here:
http://www.fairus.org/site/PageServer?pagename=iic_immigrationissuecentersffec
The above link will allow you to read the full report which is in pdf. format – you’ll find that link at the bottom of the page.
Lastly, you state “It would have been beneficial for me to read the thoughts and ideas of someone who has dedicated her time….”. Just so you know, you should have said….”who has dedicated his time”.
You might also want to visit another blog I have: http://morganrants.wordpress.com.
Take care.
P.S. – How the hell did Oregon beat USC?
[…] Just days after the Obama victory the tax hikes are already being brought to the table as the Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger proposes a huge tax increase aimed at everyone in California. He is proposing raising sales taxes, so this effects everyone not just the top earners of the country. Maybe the if the Terminator would help put an end to all the illegals coming into the country, California would not have such financial troubles. California is flooded with illegals as it is proudly a sanctuary state. The reality is that our country cannot financially continue to pay for illegals to come here, because they cost us tax payers billions of dollars a year to pay for all the social services that they use. The cost to California is nearly $9 billion a year alone . […]
Infidels are cool – You got it, man. Now that the California budget is in the tank – we might, if we had any balls, kick the thousands of illegals – be they on the streets or incarcerated – back to where the belong!
You know, I am so sick and tired of these old men running the state, they are the reason we are where we are at, They allow ILLEGAL activities to flourish , Gerardo Gonzalez needs to choose sides AMERICA or MEXICO. because you will not have both- I am confused as to where racism is pulled into this,,, when people say Mexicans,,,IT IS A COUNTRY NOT A RACE, (is this the effects of the low graduation rates?). Someone needs to clue Gerardo in on common sense,,
IF he wants to get a true look at our racist tendencies, he needs to learn how to compare the correct groups (sesamie street 1970) -Check the treatment of illegal aliens and sort them by race…(not country) compare the horrendous hospitality our government offers them, then check to see if hispanics are being treated ANY DIFFERENT THAN ANY NON CITIZEN.
That is fifth grade critical reasoning,. Instead he wants to study AMERICANS and focus on how they treat Mexican citizens What is he comparing that to?>?> How can that be racist? He needs to realize how foolish it appears. Someone needs to clue him in that the public he is spouting this to, is made up of adults who have children who try that . I am insulted just because he thinks he can use such an elementary tactic to make me believe the propaganda
It will take every one of us in the streets out of our recliners, and away from our self centered exisitence to come together for the common good of the country(that allows us to live in our self centered bubbles, ha)
We are too soft anymore and nobody can imagine themselves physically removing the criminals from the capitol building in this state.
state income is up 40 billion if I understand correctly,, and this is no longer enough to filter to our infrastructure, our childrens education,, our hospitals,,,
WE are loosing all of it,, the politicians are fully aware of what they are doing, and they do NOT CARE about the common American , This is painfully obvious when they tried to pass the immigration bills even though nearly 70% of America was opposed. The laws that are being passed these days in California,, aren’t protecting anyone from anything, they are limiting our abilities to do live our lives,, cellphones??? gay marriage??? these bans are just that,, they are not protective laws,,,they are bans on activities.
I am convinced that laws like the cellphone ban are creations of AT&T and other handsfree kit selling corporations.
NO TO NEW TAXES!!! if they raise the sales tax or taxes on services,, I will buy everything on the internet and do all I can not to contribute to the coffers of the criminals-like archie bunker once sang.
WE don’t need no WELFARE STATE,, EVERYBODY PULLS HIS WEIGHT!. That is the critical difference in our cultures.
Thanks for letting me rant
Guy – Sorry for the delay in responding. And, man, you can rant away anytime. Speaking of ranting – how’s about our Messiah and his stimulus package(s) – makes the $9 billion look like chicken feed. I enjoyed “when people say Mexicans,,,IT IS A COUNTRY NOT A RACE” amen brother. It’s like America and Americans. But what can you expect – everybody is playing the race card except – guess who – the ones that consider themselves AMERICANS period! Thanks for the comment.
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[…] American Patrol Radio Report of Dec. 10, 1999). Since Proposition 187 was passed at least $80 billion of taxpayer’s money have been spent on illegal aliens, and probably a lot more. Tomorrow the voters will have the final say. They will reject ballot measures aimed at […]
I have difficulty understanding how the services were ever offered to illegals in the first place.
Sure, I know it sounds inhumane, but why were people who couldn’t show proof of citizenship allowed to send children to school and go to doctors and hospitals on the taxpayers tab?
In WI we have to show shot records and a physical exam for entrance. It would not be too difficult to also require a birth certificate. I never agreed with anchor babies, that needs to be tossed out. If mom and dad are in citizenship classes okay. When they pass, junior is automatically upgraded as well.
By providing services to illegals the die was cast. Without the services there would be far less incentive to be here illegally. Now there is talk of drivers licenses!!!
I say, if the state is facing bankruptcy, end the benefits and the illegals will go home. No need for expensive deportation.
I feel bad for Mexican people who have to live in substandard conditions. I do. I have legal Mexican-Americans where I work and they tell me stories of what life is like in Mexico. But when pressed even they say they don’t approve of illegals!!
End the perks, the benefits, medical care, they will quit coming here and go home to fix their country so they can have a decent life on their own tab..
I should have included, the illegals the US has the most trouble with are the ones who have NO intention of becoming citizens. They are not taking citizenship classes, they do not wish to learn English. NO. Instead some of them are bent on, “reclaiming what was taken from Mexico.”
Then there was a sign at a protest, “No one is illegal.”
Oh, that pretty much sums it up.
The US has always striven to be humane and assist those in need. If this downward trend continues, the US will need another country to help it.
OOPS, I forgot, China has already mortgaged my grandchildrens wages.
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