QUESTION: Cost of immigrants to US taxpayers

Does immigration, including illegal immigration really cost US taxpayers as much as the right-wing claims? What about all the money paid into social security that isn't taken out by undocumented immigrants? Specific numbers for Washington State would be most appreciated. We are having a public hearing tonight on the impact of the Minutemen Project on our community in Bellingham, WA and the President of the Minutemen is expected to attend from AZ.

ANSWER: Cost of immigrants to US taxpayers

Here are a few articles:

and

It's past the deadline now, but I found the following documents which may be relevant. I could find nothing specific to Washington State - basically the documents found indicate no precise data (or methodology) exists on illegals and their costs. However these documents may help counterpoint any cost figures the Minutemen Project may claim.

  1. Overview of why it is hard to estimate net costs of illegal aliens, balanced view, well sourced
  2. Might be useful if this group wants to try an estimate local costs, "Local Fiscal Effects of Illegal Aliens"
  3. "Illegal Aliens: National Net Cost Estimates Vary Widely" US GAO. 1995.
  4. "Illegal Immigration in America: A Reference Handbook" (1999)
  5. "" (2006)
  6. "Illegal Aliens: Assessing Estimates of Financial Burden on California" (1994)

Library of Congress Subject Headings
Primary good one is: Illegal Aliens - United States - Economic aspects
and various other subdivisions under Illegal Aliens - e.g. Statistics, Costs, Finance