Biden border crisis costing taxpayers nearly half a trillion dollars: House Republicans
House Republicans Release Report on Record-High Illegal Immigration Costs
House Republicans have recently unveiled a comprehensive report detailing the staggering costs of illegal immigration at the southern border under the Biden administration. According to their estimates, American taxpayers have shouldered a burden of nearly half a trillion dollars.
Breaking Down the Costs
The House Homeland Security Committee has compiled a 49-page document that meticulously breaks down the various expenses associated with the arrest of over 6 million illegal immigrants since early 2021. These costs include education, healthcare, law enforcement, and more.
“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,” the report states. “Mass illegal immigration, accelerated by Mayorkas’ open-borders policies, now represents a massive cost to the federal government and state governments alike, as well as the pocketbooks of private citizens and businesses.”
This report comes at a time when the House is considering an impeachment resolution against Secretary Mayorkas, brought forth by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).
Reliable Data Sources
The GOP report, authorized by Chairman Mark Green (R-TN), relies on data provided by both conservative and liberal immigration organizations to estimate the costs. The highest estimate, provided by the right-leaning Center for Immigration Studies, suggests that taxpayers would need to contribute $451 billion to cover the expenses of caring for immigrants released into the United States from the border.
Major Cities Bear the Brunt
New York City, Washington, D.C., and Chicago have already spent hundreds of millions of dollars addressing the needs of thousands of immigrants who have sought refuge in these sanctuary zones. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, has expressed concerns that the border crisis could potentially “destroy” the city.
Healthcare and Law Enforcement Costs
A study conducted by the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute in 2019 revealed that over half of illegal immigrants in the U.S. lack health insurance, placing a significant burden on American taxpayers. Emergency medical services for “undocumented aliens” in 2021 alone exceeded $7 billion, with New York City hospitals reporting 30,000 visits by illegal immigrants, including 300 births.
Law enforcement expenses related to illegal immigrants amounted to just under $9 billion in 2022, according to data from the National Institute of Corrections and the Justice Department. An additional $1 billion was allocated for the incarceration of illegal immigrants, separate from those temporarily placed in immigration detention.
The Cost of Education
The right-leaning Federation for American Immigration Reform estimated that education costs could reach nearly $17 billion nationwide. Despite some illegal immigrants contributing to taxes, it was found that these contributions did not offset the costs incurred by the U.S. government.
“Illegal immigration’s annual net burden on the U.S. economy as of 2022 totaled more than $150 billion,” summarizes the GOP report. ”In particular, researchers found that illegal immigration imposes around $182 billion in federal, state, and local costs, while illegal aliens pay approximately $31 billion in total tax contributions. The federal government is responsible for more than $66 billion in expenditures, an increase of 45 percent from 2017, while the states foot the bill for more than $115 billion in additional spending on illegal aliens.”
This report marks the fourth installment of the committee’s investigation into the DHS’s handling of the border crisis since early 2021. The Washington Examiner has reached out to the DHS for comment.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
How has the steady influx of undocumented immigrants impacted educational costs and resources?
The report also highlights the exorbitant costs of healthcare and law enforcement associated with illegal immigration. The steady influx of undocumented immigrants has put a strain on hospitals, clinics, and medical resources, resulting in increased expenses for treating individuals without health insurance. Additionally, local law enforcement agencies have faced additional burdens in dealing with the growing population of illegal immigrants, leading to increased spending on personnel, detainment facilities, and other related expenses.
Educational Costs
Education is another area that has been severely impacted by illegal immigration. The report reveals that American taxpayers have had to bear the cost of educating the children of illegal immigrants, including the provision of English language instruction and additional resources to accommodate the influx of students. These education-related expenses not only strain the financial resources of local school districts but also potentially affect the quality of education for American students.
A Call for Policy Change
House Republicans are using this report to highlight the urgent need for a change in policies related to illegal immigration. They argue that the Biden administration’s approach to border security and immigration enforcement has led to a significant increase in illegal border crossings and, consequently, an immense financial burden on American taxpayers. They call for stricter border controls, enhanced law enforcement efforts, and a reevaluation of the immigration system to ensure the fair and efficient processing of immigrants.
Debate and Implications
This report is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States. Critics of the current administration argue that lax border security and lenient immigration policies encourage illegal immigration and ultimately result in significant financial costs for the American people. On the other hand, proponents of a more compassionate approach to immigration see these costs as a necessary investment in providing humanitarian assistance and support to individuals seeking a better life in the United States.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how both parties will address the issue of illegal immigration and the financial implications it carries. The release of this comprehensive report by House Republicans serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by illegal immigration and the need for a comprehensive and effective approach to border security and immigration policy.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...