Kelly Brewington writes in this morning’s Sun:
As the number of illegal immigrants swells nationwide, state and local governments are grappling with a fiercely debated question: Are illegal immigrants a burden on or a benefit to local economies?
The answer: It depends on whom you ask.
States, demographers and interest groups have tried to quantify the fiscal costs versus the benefits of illegal immigration, but there’s no consensus on the answers. Those concerned about illegal immigration conclude new arrivals are a drain on public services, citing the growth of the school-age population and the mounting ranks of the uninsured. Meanwhile, others contend that illegal immigrants swell state coffers by paying millions in taxes and fees without receiving many services available to legal residents.