Experts Reveal Hidden Costs of Illegal Immigration for Taxpayers

Illegal immigration costs U.S. taxpayers a staggering $150.7 billion annually, raising concerns about the financial burden on American citizens.

At a Glance

Illegal immigration cost U.S. taxpayers $150.7 billion in 2023
Each illegal immigrant or their U.S.-born child costs the U.S. $8,776 annually
The cost of illegal immigration exceeds the GDP of several U.S. states
Over 3.3 million illegal immigrants have been released into the U.S. since President Biden’s inauguration
Federal expenditures on illegal aliens total approximately $66.4 billion, a 45% increase since 2017

The Staggering Cost of Illegal Immigration

The financial impact of illegal immigration on American taxpayers has reached unprecedented levels, according to recent data from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). In 2023 alone, the cost to U.S. taxpayers amounted to an astounding $150.7 billion. This figure, highlighted by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) of the incoming Trump administration, underscores the growing economic strain placed on American citizens.

The scale of this financial burden becomes even more apparent when broken down to an individual level. Each illegal immigrant or their U.S.-born child costs the nation $8,776 annually. This translates to an annual cost of $1,156 for every American taxpayer, or $957 after accounting for taxes paid by illegal aliens.

Illegal Immigration costs U.S. taxpayers over $150.7 billion every year.

Does this put America First?

— America (@america) October 9, 2024

The Biden Administration’s Impact

The current administration’s policies have significantly contributed to the escalation of this financial crisis. Since President Biden’s inauguration, over 3.3 million illegal immigrants have been released into the United States. This influx has not only strained local resources but has also led to an increase in the number of non-detained aliens with criminal records present in U.S. communities, now standing at over 617,607.

“The incoming Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is taking aim at the burden illegal immigration places on U.S. taxpayers.” – DOGE

Critics argue that the Biden administration has effectively “dismantled interior immigration enforcement to allow illegal aliens to remain in the country,” as stated by the Committee on the Judiciary and Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement. This approach has led to increased taxpayer costs and heightened tensions between state and federal authorities over border control strategies.

The Fiscal Reality

The fiscal burden of illegal immigration extends beyond federal expenditures. State and local governments bear a significant portion of the costs, which have reached $115.6 billion, marking a 30% increase since 2017. Despite illegal aliens contributing an estimated $32 billion in taxes, this falls far short of covering the expenses they incur.

“FAIR believes that every concerned American citizen should be asking our government why, in a time of increasing costs and shrinking resources, it is spending such large amounts of money on individuals who are not authorized to be in the United States.” – FAIR

The total national expenditures on illegal immigration have reached $182 billion, with tax contributions from illegal aliens totaling only $31.4 billion. This disparity highlights the substantial net cost to American taxpayers. Furthermore, the lack of transparency in government data reporting on illegal immigration compounds the challenge of addressing this issue effectively.

Each illegal immigrant is costing us taxpayers about $8,776 per year. That's $377 MILLION SINCE THE START OF FY23.

Our enemies are laughing at us. https://t.co/rUpkHJsE0h

— Rep. Ralph Norman (@RepRalphNorman) March 1, 2024

Conclusion

The financial burden of illegal immigration on American taxpayers continues to grow, with the cost surpassing $150 billion in 2023. This issue demands urgent attention from policymakers and citizens alike. As the debate over immigration policy intensifies, the economic impact on taxpayers remains a central concern, highlighting the need for comprehensive and effective solutions to address this complex challenge.