The Cost of Illegal Immigration

Compassion is difficult to muster when demanded by those whose presence in the US is founded in an act of illegality. The offspring of illegal immigrants have only known this nation, yet while refusing to break all ties with their land of origin demand the perks and privileges of US citizenship full well misunderstanding what the privilege of being American truly means.

This is why our nation has an orderly and legal means of immigration which leads to assimilation into the fabric of America. The legal pathway to immigration and US citizenship have inherent prerequisites that ensure not only orderly immigration, but what demands and responsibilities come with US citizenship; a fact that has been lost on too many citizens both illegal and otherwise presently in the country.

The pathway to citizenship is a lengthy a complicated process, one that the open borders sycophants claim lends itself to the circumnavigation of the system by entering illegally. At present 18-20 million US residents are here illegally with some entering legally then just simply overstaying their permit the rest sneaking across our borders, largely from the south. Let's assume for sake of argument that Canadians are not flooding into the country seeking a better opportunity.

Unlike previous mass immigrations into the US, the one presently being debated nationally has placed an insurmountable strain on the social programs to support legal citizens of this country. Theses entitlement programs presently in place to often support reckless behavior is a debate for another day. That said, within minutes of setting up residence in the US an illegal immigrant can obtain a green card, social security card and all other documentation representing themselves as legal residents which in turn garners access to social services entitled only to legal citizens placing an overburden on every public program from education to subsidized housing and even Medicaid.

A recent illegal documentation enterprise broken up by the ICE was met with broad protests and claims of racism here in Chicago led by non-other than Congressman Louis Gutierrez (D), of Illinois 4th Congressional District. Many of the arrested had ties to gang operations and illegal drug trafficking, but these facts are insignificant in the eyes of the illegal community as well as a seated Congressman.

That aside what perks awaits the Illegal immigrant so fortunate to gain access to America’s bounty?

Social Security

Medicaid

Public Education

School lunch and breakfast programs

TANF (Temporary Aid To Needy Families)

Free Immunization

SNAP

Emergency Medical Assistance

Disaster Relief

Housing Assistance

ADC

State Children’s Health Insurance Program

State Guaranteed Housing Loans (Illinois)

Driver Licenses (many states)

All of the aforementioned programs may be free to the recipients but are not without cost; largely born by the taxpaying public who in this climate of economic decline are stressed to the breaking point. On average, the costs that illegal households impose on federal coffers are less than half that of other households, but their tax payments are only one-fourth that of other households. Yes, compassion is an admirable attribute, especially during this season of good will, but it is a two way street. Which brings us back to our original premise, is the act of illegal immigration deserving compassion given the economic burdens inherently placed on society?

Don’t look for any answers from the illegal community or the representatives that support illegal immigration in exchang for voter support; but that also is a debate for another day.