Illegal immigration costs U.S. taxpayers a staggering $150.7 billion in 2023, surpassing the GDP of several states and burdening every American with over $1,000 in annual expenses.
At a Glance
- The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the incoming Trump administration highlights the massive financial burden of illegal immigration
- Each illegal immigrant or their U.S.-born child costs taxpayers $8,776 annually
- Over 3.3 million illegal immigrants have been released into the U.S. since President Biden’s inauguration
- The cost of illegal immigration increased by nearly $35 billion from 2017 to 2023
- State and local fiscal burdens from illegal immigration have reached $115.6 billion, a 30% increase since 2017
The Staggering Cost of Illegal Immigration
The financial impact of illegal immigration on U.S. taxpayers has reached alarming levels, according to recent data highlighted by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the incoming Trump administration. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates that illegal immigration cost U.S. taxpayers a whopping $150.7 billion in 2023 alone. This figure, which takes into account an estimated $32 billion in taxes paid by illegal immigrants, represents a net economic burden that exceeds the GDP of several U.S. states, including Mississippi and New Mexico.
The scale of this financial burden becomes even more apparent when broken down to the individual level. Each illegal immigrant or their U.S.-born child costs American taxpayers $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. These figures underscore the massive strain that unchecked illegal immigration places on our nation’s resources and the wallets of hard-working Americans.
“The incoming Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is taking aim at the burden illegal immigration places on U.S. taxpayers.” – DOGE – Source
The Biden Administration’s Role in Escalating Costs
The dramatic increase in illegal immigration costs can be largely attributed to the current administration’s policies. Since President Biden’s inauguration, over 3.3 million illegal immigrants have been released into the United States. This influx has not only strained our border resources but has also significantly increased the financial burden on American taxpayers. The situation is further exacerbated by the presence of over 617,607 non-detained aliens with criminal records in U.S. communities, raising serious concerns about public safety and additional law enforcement costs.
Critics argue that the Biden administration has effectively dismantled interior immigration enforcement, allowing illegal aliens to remain in the country and increasing the financial burden on taxpayers. This lack of enforcement not only encourages further illegal immigration but also sends a message that U.S. immigration laws can be flouted without consequence.
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
The Rising Tide of Costs
The financial impact of illegal immigration has been steadily increasing over the years. From 2017 to 2023, the cost increased by nearly $35 billion. This rise is reflected in both federal and state expenditures. Federal spending on illegal aliens has reached approximately $66.4 billion, a staggering 45% increase since 2017. Meanwhile, state and local fiscal burdens have ballooned to $115.6 billion, marking a 30% increase over the same period.
“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 – Source
It’s important to note that while illegal aliens do contribute some taxes, estimated at $31.4 billion, this falls dramatically short of covering the costs they incur. In fact, tax payments by illegal aliens cover only about one-sixth of the costs they generate. Many work in the underground economy, often avoiding income tax altogether, and some even receive net cash profits through refundable tax credit programs, further burdening the system.
A Call for Action
The escalating costs of illegal immigration demand immediate attention and action from our government. With FAIR estimating at least 15.5 million illegal alien residents in the U.S. as of early 2022, the financial burden on American taxpayers is only set to increase without significant policy changes. It’s time for our leaders to prioritize the interests of American citizens and legal residents by enforcing our immigration laws, securing our borders, and implementing policies that reduce the financial strain of illegal immigration on our nation’s resources.
The astronomical costs associated with illegal immigration are unsustainable and unfair to law-abiding taxpayers. It’s crucial that we address this issue head-on to ensure the financial stability and security of our nation for generations to come.
