COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE RELEASES PAPER ON IMMIGRATION ISSUES
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Comptroller's Office Releases Paper On Immigration Issues
Aug 3, 2007 06:36 PM
NASHVILLE, Tenn.- About one percent of the nation's estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants live in Tennessee.
In a paper released Friday, the state's Comptroller's Office of Research examined the potential economic impact they have on employment, wages as well as their eligibility for public benefits and services.
While there are no specific numbers, the Tennessee Comptroller's office finds undocumented immigrants contributed significantly to the state's economy through sales tax revenue. Neighboring states such as Arkansas have revealed a $3 billion impact.
The report also indicates that undocumented immigrants are not taking jobs from native-born workers.
In 2005, there were 100,000 to 150,000 undocumented immigrants in Tennessee.
Contrary to popular belief, undocumented immigrants are not eligible for most public benefits. They are not able to access TennCare.
They actually cost the most when it comes to paying for elementary and secondary education.
The comptroller's office gathered information from several Tennessee trade associations.
"What they said is with most immigrants, they need that population to get the work done," said Susan Mattson, senior legislative research analyst in the comptroller's office. "They don't have enough people applying for jobs and such."
The purpose of the study is to provide factual information over the immigration debate in Tennessee.
A year-long study by the state resulted in newly released report that is contrary to what many people think about undocumented immigrants.
"In most areas, unauthorized aliens are not eligible for most public benefits such as TennCare, welfare, food stamps and public housing," Mattson said.
Mattson said the number of undocumented immigrants living in Tennessee was really "quite as high as we expected."
"Some state departments could continue to work with the federal government to develop better standards for identifying people and their status," Mattson said.
The report acknowledges that state and local governments have some increased costs from incarcerating undocumented immigrants however there's no evidence that crimes committed by them is on the rise.
State leaders will review the report, which could change laws on Capitol Hill.
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