Migrant Crisis Could Cost Taxpayers $451 Billion, House GOP Report Says
The Migrant Crisis: A Costly Burden on Taxpayers
The current migrant crisis at the border and in America’s major cities is not only a humanitarian concern but also a financial burden that could end up costing taxpayers a staggering $451 billion, according to a new report from House Republicans.
In a report released by the House Homeland Security Committee, the costs incurred by taxpayers due to illegal migrants who were either released into the country or escaped from custody were meticulously tallied.
“Every day, millions of American taxpayer dollars are spent on costs directly associated with illegal immigration and the unprecedented crisis at the Southwest border sparked by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ policies,” reads the report.
“Only a small fraction is ever recouped from the taxes paid by illegal aliens, with the rest falling on the shoulders of American citizens and lawful residents,” the report states.
According to the report, each taxpayer is burdened with an average of $956 due to illegal immigration.
The comprehensive 50-page report extensively analyzed federal and state records, media reports, nonprofit reports, and other public information to arrive at its findings.
The report highlights that the cost of government housing and care for all migrants who have entered the U.S. since 2021 could reach a staggering $451 billion annually, as per data from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), a think tank that describes its vision as “pro-immigrant, low-immigration.”
Furthermore, the report reveals that the total federal, state, and local costs of illegal immigration amount to approximately $182 billion per year, according to a study by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing illegal immigration. This cost has significantly increased from $135 billion in 2017, as reported by FAIR.
It is worth noting that illegal immigrants contribute only $31 billion in tax revenue towards offsetting these costs, according to the report.
The report also sheds light on the staggering education costs, amounting to $59 billion, for at least 3.8 million illegal migrants who have limited English proficiency, as cited by FAIR.
Additionally, state police costs related to illegal immigration have risen to $19 billion, up from $10.5 billion in 2017, according to data from the National Institute of Corrections and the Justice Department.
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The report also highlights the impact of the opioid crisis, which cost a staggering $1.5 trillion in 2020 alone, largely driven by the influx of fentanyl through drug cartels across the border.
According to the report, there are currently between 16.8 million and 29 million illegal migrants residing in the country, based on data from FAIR and Yale University.
Furthermore, the data indicates that approximately 3.8 million migrants have entered the country under the Biden administration.
Among these migrants are the 900,000 individuals who entered the country legally and applied for asylum before being released, as revealed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data.
Moreover, more than 600,000 migrants have entered the country since October of last year without being apprehended by border agents, as stated by Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a congressional hearing.
2) How does the influx of illegal immigrants impact American workers, in terms of job opportunities and wages? How does this affect social welfare programs and government assistance?
Related to illegal immigration include education, healthcare, law enforcement, social welfare programs, and other services. These costs not only put a strain on taxpayers but also divert funds that could be used for other important priorities, such as infrastructure development, public safety, and healthcare for American citizens.
The report emphasizes that the burden on taxpayers is not limited to the direct costs associated with illegal immigration. It also considers the indirect costs, such as the impact on wages and job opportunities for American workers. The influx of illegal immigrants, especially in sectors that attract low-skilled labor, can lead to increased competition for jobs and drive down wages. This not only affects American workers but also puts additional strain on social welfare programs as more individuals may rely on government assistance to meet their basic needs.
The report raises concerns about the policies implemented by the Department of Homeland Security, particularly under Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. These policies, the report argues, have created an unprecedented crisis at the Southwest border, leading to an influx of illegal migrants into the country. The costs associated with accommodating and caring for these migrants, as well as addressing the security challenges posed by unauthorized border crossings, have placed a significant burden on taxpayers.
While it is important to address the humanitarian aspects of the migrant crisis, it is crucial to recognize the financial implications as well. Finding a balance between humanitarian efforts and fiscal responsibility is necessary to ensure that taxpayers’ hard-earned money is utilized effectively and efficiently.
The report concludes by recommending a comprehensive review and reform of immigration policies to address the root causes of illegal immigration and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers. This includes implementing stronger border security measures, enhancing visa enforcement, streamlining legal immigration processes, and exploring solutions to support economic development in countries of origin, among other measures.
In conclusion, the migrant crisis presents not only a humanitarian challenge but also a costly burden on taxpayers. The report from House Republicans highlights the financial implications of illegal immigration and calls for a comprehensive approach to address the crisis. As policymakers and lawmakers consider responses to the migrant crisis, striking a balance between humanitarian concerns and fiscal responsibility is crucial to ensure the well-being of both American citizens and migrants seeking a better life.
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