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How Illegal Immigration in America Affects Our Economy

Illegal immigration, particularly from America’s unsecured border with Mexico, affects national, state, and local economies in many ways. Two sources of negative economy impact are from lost tax revenue and use of services without contributing to their cost.

Most illegal workers in the United States do not pay federal or state income tax, leading to loss of potential revenue that pays for government programs, including maintenance of infrastructure, national defense, and other necessary, non-partisan programs. Additionally, state tax revenues support public libraries, hospitals, and often the university system, helping to keep college affordable. The loss of revenue due to illegal workers cannot be overstated in terms of negative impact.

Additionally, in many states, illegal immigrants abuse medical services, using the Emergency Room (ER) for everyday medical needs, without paying for services they receive. This has actually been a significant factor in hospital closings in several states. Illegal immigrants may also fraudulently enroll their children in the local schools, without in any way contributing to them.

These are only a small sample of the negative affects caused by illegal immigration. Others include the rise of drug-related crime in border-states, as well as increasing numbers of unlicensed, illegal drivers on the roads.