http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=600&sid=1008913

Prince William Co. Wants to Know Cost of Illegals
Dec 18th - 11:53am


MANASSAS, Va. (AP) - One of Virginia's fastest growing counties is attempting to determine how much money illegal immigration is costing the county government -- and may send a bill to the federal government for the additional costs.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has asked county staff to complete the study by Jan 16. The county, where about 20 percent of residents are foreign-born, is one of several local governments grappling with a wave of new residents, many of them illegal immigrants. Supervisors said the problem is driving up costs for schools, health care, law enforcement and social services.

"By putting a number on the cost, this gives us an opportunity to push back on the federal government and say 'Look what you are doing to us on the local government level,' " said Supervisor W.S. Covington III, who proposed the study. "I mean, it is the federal government's responsibility to regulate commerce. They are the ones who are supposed to secure the borders."

Once the study is completed, Covington said he would propose sending a bill to the federal government for the full cost of illegal immigration. But he said he is realistic enough to know the county probably won't see a penny.

"I really think they should pay, but it is more symbolic," Covington said.

The study will include the impact on the police department and jail and court system. Supervisor Maureen S. Caddigan requested that the county's hospitals and health clinics also be reviewed.

County staff have said they may not be able to meet the Jan. 16 deadline for the study of immigration costs. The study is unusual, according to a leading Hispanic civil rights group.

"This is a very complex request covering several agencies," said county spokeswoman Liz Bahrns.

The National Council of La Raza, the country's oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization, is welcoming the county's attempt to study the issue, "assuming that is based on sound methodology and it is unbiased," said Michele Waslin, the group's director of immigration policy.

A study released by the comptroller of Texas this month found that illegal immigrants had a positive financial impact on the state treasury but cost county governments hundred of millions of dollars each year.

"The study showed that the tax money was going to the state, and the counties were not getting any of those tax revenues," Waslin said. "So the counties end up footing the cost."