Fact check: How much do illegal aliens actually cost the US Taxpayer?

1. Summary of the results

The exact cost of illegal immigration to U.S. taxpayers is highly debated and varies significantly depending on the source and methodology used:

• FAIR estimates the annual cost at $150.7 billion, or approximately $8,776 per illegal alien or U.S.-born child ^[1]
• Individual American taxpayers pay around $1,156 annually according to FAIR's calculations ^[1]
• A different analysis suggests unlawful immigrant households receive $24,721 in benefits while paying $10,334 in taxes, creating a net deficit of $14,387 per household annually ^[2]
• The Cato Institute suggests much lower figures, estimating annual costs between $24-48 billion ^[3]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual factors need consideration:

• The methodology behind these calculations is often questioned by experts, with the Cato Institute describing FAIR's methodology as "fatally flawed" ^[3]
• Long-term fiscal impact calculations suggest:
• An average adult unlawful immigrant may receive $592,000 more in benefits than paid in taxes over their lifetime ^[2]
• Low-skilled immigrant households may create a lifetime fiscal deficit of $1.2 million ^[4]
• Illegal immigrants do contribute to tax revenue, estimated at $32 billion annually ^[1]
• The situation has evolved over time, with costs increasing from $116 billion in 2017 ^[1]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

Several potential biases and conflicts of interest should be noted:

• Organizations with specific agendas:
• FAIR, which produces the highest estimates, is an organization focused on reducing immigration
• The Heritage Foundation, supporting high cost estimates, is known for conservative policy positions
• The Cato Institute, providing lower estimates, tends to favor more open immigration policies
• Public perception: 70% of Americans believe illegal immigrants use more public services than they pay for in taxes ^[4]
• Complexity of calculation: Experts like Julia Gelatt from the Migration Policy Institute emphasize that determining exact costs is complex and methodologically challenging ^[3]

The true cost likely lies somewhere between the various estimates, but the exact figure remains disputed due to different methodological approaches and potential political biases in the research.