by – L. Richardson
The $150 Billion Illegal Immigration Crisis in 2023 is not just a figure; it’s a pressing issue that demands our immediate attention. With the government spending a staggering $67 billion in tax dollars on migrants, American communities are being drained. This crisis is not a distant problem; it has significantly impacted U.S. cities’ budgets, forcing local authorities to make difficult decisions. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) report reveals the staggering cost to American taxpayers, highlighting the urgent need for immediate action to prevent further financial strain [13] [14].
As cities like Denver and New York City cut local services to cover migrant costs, American towns are bleeding. At the same time, federal priorities shift toward illegal immigrants due to the Biden-Harris Administration’s open borders agenda. This policy has led to a massive increase in education and welfare spending on illegal immigration. This article will examine the breakdown of these costs, their impact on local communities, and the broader consequences of current immigration policies, ultimately calling for a reevaluation of priorities to protect America’s future.
Breaking Down the Costs
Federal Spending:
$67 billion in taxpayer dollars, covering education ($6.6B), welfare ($11.5B), and policing ($23.1B) costs for illegal immigrants.
The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) report reveals staggering figures regarding federal expenditures on illegal immigration [13]. In 2023, the federal government spent a whopping $67 billion on illegal immigrants, marking a 45% increase since 2017 1. This substantial sum covers various sectors, with education taking up $6.6 billion, welfare programs consuming $11.5 billion, and law enforcement costs reaching $23.1 billion 2.
State and Local Budgets:
Over $80 billion, with cities forced to prioritize migrant costs over essential services.
The burden on state and local governments is even more severe, with total expenditures reaching $115.6 billion, a 30% increase from 2017 1. This massive financial strain forces cities to make difficult choices, often prioritizing migrant costs over essential services for their residents. For instance, some towns project significant spending on migrant housing and workforce training, with one city allocating $51.7 million for housing costs alone in 2024 2.
FAIR’s Findings:
Statistics from the Federation for American Immigration Reform show a 45% increase in per-migrant spending since 2017 [15].
FAIR’s comprehensive analysis paints a grim picture of the fiscal impact of illegal immigration. The total cost to American taxpayers has skyrocketed to $150.7 billion annually 1. This translates to a staggering $1,156 per American taxpayer yearly, or $957 after factoring in taxes paid by illegal aliens 1. The report highlights that taxes paid by illegal aliens only cover about 17.2% of the costs they create 3.
The surge in per-migrant spending is particularly alarming. FAIR estimates that federal funding amounts to $3,187 per migrant annually, representing a 45% increase since their last survey in 2017 2. This sharp cost rise underscores the growing financial burden on American taxpayers due to the current immigration crisis.
These figures demonstrate the enormous fiscal impact of illegal immigration on federal, state, and local budgets [16]. As cities struggle to balance their finances, essential services for American citizens often face cuts to accommodate the rising costs associated with illegal immigration. The $150 Billion Illegal Immigration Crisis in 2023 continues to drain resources from American communities, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform and more effective border control measures [17]. It’s not just a suggestion; it’s a necessity for the future of our country and the only viable solution to this crisis.
Impact on Local Communities and Services
The $150 Billion Illegal Immigration Crisis in 2023 is not just a number; it’s a devastating reality for local communities across the United States. As cities struggle to balance their budgets, they are forced to divert funds from essential services to accommodate the influx of migrants. This shift in priorities has left many American citizens feeling the direct impact of reduced public services and increased financial burdens, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Denver:
A $45 million cut from the city budget, impacting police and fire services, was made to cover a $90 million migrant expense.
Denver, a city of 715,000, has been struck by the immigration crisis. Since December 2022, the city has received an influx of 42,000 migrants, making it the fourth-largest recipient after New York City, Chicago, and San Diego 2. To address this surge, Denver has already spent $70 million on migrant care and is now facing an additional $90 million expense 2.
To foot this bill, the city council has had to make difficult decisions, including cutting $45 million from its budget. These cuts have significantly impacted public safety agencies, with the Denver Police Department facing an $8.4 million reduction and the Denver Fire Department losing $2.5 million 2. These cuts came when Denver saw historic increases in crime, raising concerns about the city’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies 4.
New York City:
$2.5 billion was spent on housing illegal immigrants in luxury hotels, with 150 hotels converted to migrant shelters. Mayor Adams slashes 5% from city funding for citizens.
New York City’s situation is equally dire. More than 210,000 migrants have arrived in the city since the spring of 2022 2. Under the city’s ‘right to shelter’ policy, which guarantees housing to all individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, 150 hotels currently provide food and rooms for migrants. This policy also includes provisions for laundry facilities and childcare assistance, and migrants typically receive between 30 and 60 days of free housing 2.
The cost of housing asylum seekers has skyrocketed to $352 per night, with spending for 2023 and 2024 set to surpass a staggering $2.3 billion 2. Mayor Eric Adams announced budget cuts of 5% across all city agencies to cover these expenses at the end of 2023. These cuts affected various sectors, including the New York Police and Fire Departments, library funding, cultural institutions, and early childhood programs 2.
Taxpayer Burden:
These expenditures are bleeding communities dry while citizens need help with underfunded services.
The financial strain of the illegal immigration crisis is draining American communities. In New York City alone, taxpayers have spent $308 million on migrants since July 1, bringing the total tab for the ongoing crisis to nearly $5.5 billion 5. The city estimates it will absorb 69% of the costs to care for migrants over the next few years, with the state covering 30% and the federal government contributing a mere 1% 5.
These expenditures are profoundly impacting local services and infrastructure. In Denver, for example, the proposed budget cuts include a hiring freeze and service reductions 6. Recreation centers have cut operating days, and the Department of Motor Vehicles has implemented rotating closures 6. These measures directly affect the quality of life for Americans now facing reduced access to essential services. At the same time, their tax dollars are diverted to support illegal immigrants.
The Bigger Picture:
Open Border Agenda and Its Consequences
The Biden-Harris administration’s policies push an open-border agenda with no accountability.
The Biden-Harris Administration has facilitated what many consider the worst border crisis in American history 7. Their deliberate policy choices have effectively destroyed border security, encouraging millions of illegal aliens to enter the country unlawfully, including terrorists and criminals 7. This open-border agenda has led to a staggering 3.8 million illegal border crossings and a further 900,000 known “got-aways” since President Biden took office 8.
The financial burden to an overarching strategy of de-prioritizing American interests.
The $150 Billion Illegal Immigration Crisis in 2023 has created an enormous drain on public funds, undermining the quality of education, healthcare, and other services for Americans 8. This financial burden is not just a series of isolated incidents but part of a larger strategy that appears to prioritize illegal immigrants over American citizens [18]. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates that 59.4 percent of unlawful immigrant households use one or more welfare programs 7, further straining already limited resources [19].
The impact on public safety, social services, and community resources positions this spending as a direct attack on American stability.
The open-border policies have created a public safety and national security crisis. Americans have been victimized by preventable crimes committed by illegal aliens who should not be able to roam the country 7. Beyond these direct threats, the influx of illegal immigrants has overwhelmed communities by crowding classrooms, consuming already limited affordable housing, and increasing the strain on precious natural resources 8 [20].
The financial impact is equally devastating. Estimates suggest housing and other services for those released into the United States under Secretary Mayorkas’ watch could exceed $451 billion 9. This includes healthcare costs, with Medicaid expenditures for illegal immigrants estimated at over $5 billion a year 9. These astronomical figures represent resources diverted from American citizens and communities, effectively undermining the stability and prosperity of the nation.
Expert and Public Opinions
Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR):
FAIR’s role in uncovering and exposing the actual costs of illegal immigration [21].
The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) has played a crucial role in shedding light on the fiscal impact of illegal immigration [21] [22]. FAIR’s Executive Director, Julie Kirchner, emphasized the organization’s 45 years of experience in educating Americans about the consequences of mass immigration 10. Their report, “The Fiscal Burden of Illegal Immigration on United States Taxpayers,” aims to illustrate how Americans pay for illegal immigration 10.
FAIR’s conservative estimate suggests that Americans now pay $150.70 billion annually due to illegal immigration, with only 17 percent of these costs recouped through taxes paid by unlawful aliens 10. The organization’s research has uncovered that the majority of costs are incurred at the state and local level, with K-12 education of children of illegal aliens being the predominant expense, costing taxpayers roughly $70.00 billion each year 10.
American Citizens and Patriots:
Real-world concerns from Americans affected by budget cuts, rising local taxes, and weakened public services.
The $150 Billion Illegal Immigration Crisis in 2023 has had a profound impact on American communities, leading to budget cuts and reduced services for citizens. In New York City, the influx of over 180,000 migrants has resulted in 30,000 migrant children enrolling in public schools. Mayor Eric Adams anticipated costs of $10.60 billion through the summer of 2025 10. This situation is being replicated in cities across the country, causing significant strain on local resources and services.
Americans are expressing concerns about the diversion of funds from essential services to support illegal immigrants. For instance, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 2,000 miles from the border, hundreds of fentanyl deaths have been reported, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of the border crisis 11.
Local Government Reactions:
Statements or actions from officials forced to make tough cuts, often without adequate federal support.
Local government officials are grappling with difficult decisions as they attempt to balance their budgets in the face of rising costs associated with illegal immigration. In New York City, plans to cut the budget by 5 percent across various services, including sanitation, public education, and the police department, have been announced to cover the costs of housing, food, health care, and other services for recently arrived illegal immigrants 12.
Similarly, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston stated that the city will likely spend $180.00 million in 2024 on the illegal influx – more than triple what it spends on the homeless 12. Other localities, such as El Paso, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, are also struggling to provide services to newly arrived illegal immigrants, often without adequate federal support 12.
Call to Action:
Protecting America’s Future
The $150 Billion Illegal Immigration Crisis 2023 demands immediate action from every American citizen. It’s time to stand up and protect our communities from the devastating effects of this crisis.
Hold Government Accountable:
Citizens demand transparency and accountability from local and federal representatives.
Americans must demand answers from their elected officials about the billions being diverted to support illegal immigrants while local services face budget cuts. Contact your representatives and ask them to explain where they stand on cutting funds for essential services to accommodate migrants. Holding them accountable for their decisions and impact on American communities is crucial.
Support Organizations Uncovering the Truth:
Support for organizations like FAIR that are fighting to reveal the actual costs of illegal immigration.
Organizations like the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) are doing vital work to expose the actual cost of this immigration crisis [23]. By supporting these groups, you’re helping to ensure that the facts reach every American, especially those in small towns and rural areas who might still need to see the direct impact.
Community Mobilization:
Patriots to get involved locally, advocating for policies that put American citizens first.
Get involved in your local community. Advocate for policies prioritizing American citizens, ensuring essential services are preserved for the people who make this nation strong. Stand against politicians sacrificing local safety and prosperity to push an open-border agenda.
Spread Awareness:
The importance of spreading the truth to combat media bias and silence around the crisis.
The truth about this crisis needs to reach every corner of America. Share this information with your neighbors, friends, and family. Use social media to spread awareness about the impact of illegal immigration on local budgets and services. By raising awareness, we can build a movement of informed, fearless patriots who demand accountability and defend our republic [24].
America, this is your country, your tax dollars, and your future at stake. It’s time to get loud, get active, and get answers. Together, we can protect America’s future and ensure that our towns and cities aren’t sacrificed for misguided government agendas.
Conclusion:
America First—Defend Our Republic
The $150 Billion Illegal Immigration Crisis in 2023 has a profound impact on American communities, draining resources and forcing tough choices. Cities across the nation are slashing essential services to cover the surging costs of housing, welfare, and education for illegal migrants. This crisis isn’t just about numbers; it’s a direct assault on American taxpayers and their way of life.
It’s time for patriots to take action. Stay informed about local budget impacts, support organizations like FAIR that expose the truth, and spread awareness in your community. Demand accountability from your representatives and advocate for policies that put American citizens first. Remember, this is your country, tax dollars, and future at stake. It’s crucial to get loud, get active, and fight to preserve the services and safety that genuinely make this nation strong.
FAQs
What economic value do immigrants add to the U.S. economy?
Immigrants significantly contribute to the U.S. economy [25]. In 2022, their total economic input was estimated to exceed USD 2.00 trillion, based on the earnings calculated from the money they sent overseas.
In what ways has the Biden administration influenced U.S. immigration policies?
The Biden administration has promoted legal immigration routes, such as establishing regional processing centers in Latin America for asylum applications and enhancing the CBP One mobile app, which allows migrants to schedule asylum appointments.
What is the U.S. government’s expenditure on immigration?
In 2024, the U.S. government allocated USD 37.00 billion for discretionary immigration-related activities, an increase of USD 1.00 billion from 2019, adjusted for inflation. Additional funding has also been requested for the same year.
Which benefits are available to undocumented immigrants in the U.S.?
In California, undocumented workers are eligible for Disability Insurance (DI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits. These programs offer partial wage replacements for workers needing time off due to disability or to care for a family member, even without a Social Security number.
References
[3] – https://www.fairus.org/new-fair-report-annual-costs-illegal-immigration-soars-1507-billion-year
[8] – http://lamborn.house.gov/issues/illegal-immigration
[11] – https://budget.house.gov/press-release/the-cost-of-the-border-crisis-1507-billion-and-counting
[12] – https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Camarota-Testimony.pdf
[13] – South San Francisco Receives Kudos from Gov Newsom on ProHousing (High Density) Community- Taxpayer Money Rewards – Everything South City. https://everythingsouthcity.com/2023/08/south-san-francisco-receives-kudos-from-gov-newsom-on-prohousing-high0density-community-taxpayer-money-rewards/
[14] – Death – Obituary News: E-coli claims life in Scotland. – Business Research News. https://businessresearchnews.com/2023/12/29/death-obituary-news-e-coli-claims-life-in-scotland/
[15] – “Voter fraud” vigilante Kris Kobach is now running for Kansas governor | Salon.com. https://www.salon.com/2017/06/09/kris-kobach-voter-fraud-vigilante-is-now-running-for-kansas-governor/
[16] – Immigration in Georgia, 1952-2017 – Ballotpedia. https://georgialawnews.com/immigration-in-georgia-1952-2017-ballotpedia/
[17] – Families Brave Makeshift Rafts in Bold Pursuit of U.S. Dream – Peak Performance Monday. https://peakperformancemonday.com/2023/10/02/families-brave-makeshift-rafts-in-bold-pursuit-of-us-dream/
[18] – Breaking! This Changes Everything: Basel III Deadline Hits, CBI Goes Global, and QFS Takes Over! – Gazetteller. https://gazetteller.com/breaking-this-changes-everything-basel-iii-deadline-hits-cbi-goes-global-and-qfs-takes-over/
[19] – 14.3M Illegal Aliens Living in U.S., Costing Americans $132B a Year | Christian Research Network. https://christianresearchnetwork.org/2019/09/24/14-3m-illegal-aliens-living-in-u-s-costing-americans-132b-a-year/
[20] – Who is Telling the Truth– Mayorkas or Tobin? – Triad Conservative. https://www.triadconservative.com/2023/05/23/who-is-telling-the-truth-mayorkas-or-tobin/
[21] – (2007). December 26, 2007. https://core.ac.uk/download/55334030.pdf
[22] – Vivek, J. P., Berry, N. G., Zou, J., Nichols, R. J., & Hardwick, L. J. (2017). In Situ, Surface-Enhanced Infrared Spectroscopy to Identify Oxygen Reduction Products in Nonaqueous Metal-Oxygen Batteries. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b06391
[23] – Sadowski-Smith, C. (2021). Climate Migration Fiction and Multispecies Mobility in the Racial Capitalocene. American Studies, 60(3/4), 109-126,130.
[24] – How BGFoundation.com is Tackling Inequality Head-On – B.G. Foundation. https://bgfoundation.com/how-bgfoundation-com-is-tackling-inequality-head-on/
[25] – Marcus, A. P. (2011). Experiencing Ethnic Economies: Brazilian Immigrants and Returnees. Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies. https://doi.org/10.1080/15562948.2011.547826
[26] – https://www.infowars.com/posts/150-billion-cost-of-illegal-immigration-in-2023-alone
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