Thread: Short (But Not At All Sweet) Summary of Rector's Analysis

Legislative Update
April 9, 2007

Heritage Study Suggests Amnesty Will Have a Staggering Price Tag

Last week, the Heritage Foundation released a report on the fiscal impacts of low skilled workers that is sure to have major influence on the immigration debate. In the study, researchers found that low skilled workers, defined as those without a high school diploma, will cost the United States $3.9 trillion over the ten years. This estimate is based on the fact that low-skilled workers (whether citizens or immigrants) have historically received the greatest bulk of government services - including Medicaid, food stamps, public housing and other forms of welfare. In fact, the Heritage report estimates that each low skilled household annually receives $22,449 more in benefits than it pays in taxes. When taking into account that 9 percent of native born Americans and 25 percent of legal aliens lack a high school diploma, the Heritage Foundation arrived at its trillion dollar estimate.

The Heritage Foundation study did not take into account illegal aliens in the U.S., who are generally ineligible for federal government benefits. However, the study suggests that if Congress grants amnesty to the 11-20 million illegal aliens, such a move would come with a staggering price tag. Granting amnesty would make newly legalized aliens eligible for all of the benefits the U.S. welfare system has to offer. That, coupled with the fact that 50 percent of the illegal alien population is low skilled (with an annual net cost of $22,449 per household), means that the cost would well exceed $3.9 trillion.

The Washington Times described several Members' reactions to the release of the Heritage Foundation study. "It should serve as a warning to President Bush and lawmakers proposing to give illegal aliens a so-called path to citizenship or what critics call amnesty," said Lamar Smith (R-TX), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee. "We need to make sure any legislation does not further strain government services and taxpayers' wallets." House Immigration Reform Caucus Chairman Brian Bilbray (R-CA) mirrored Smith's sentiments: "The Heritage Foundation report proves what we already know, that illegal immigration is a drain to the American people....At more than $22,000 [net cost per household] a year, it's like having the American taxpayers buy everyone who doesn't have a high school diploma a brand new Ford Mustang convertible."




This should scare the heck out of any American!

...a brand new Ford Mustang convertible each year.

Richard wrote:

...a brand new Ford Mustang convertible each year.

If this thing passes, by the time all is said and done, we'll be paying the equivalent of a Porsche Carrera. (Do they still make 'em?)

Maybe a Lamborgini?

Do they still make those???