the high cost of illegal immigration

[rampartc]

i have always been skeptical of the tremendous cost reported by the states for the education, health care, foosd stamps, and what not that it costs to support the undocumented workers and their families.

is it unreasonable to expect the employers of these immigrants to pay local and state taxes high enough to cover the services used by their undocumented employees?

[Fred Sanders]

1. The concern is noted. The lack of empathy as well.

[COLGATE4]

2. +1000!

[GeorgeGist]

3. Is it reasonable to assume they don't?

[Cicada]

4. Majority of cost is school. But that's investment, not cost

The big anti immigrant group, fair?, has reasonable numbers for costs. But over half is school. I see school as pouring future tax revenues into kids skulls, so cut by at least half. Also I think they have a 75 year frame. My grandfather had thick accent, limited income. My father and mother left school at 14, depression, but paid more tax than they got in welfare for sure. I have two graduate degrees and have been a profit center for society. I am outside the 75 year window now. I think the calculation is wrong because generation 3 is when profits roll in. Also people underestimate taxes paid. In CA most illegals work in the books, get a paycheck with taxes withheld. On average they pay more than 30% of income in tax. Soc sec and Medicare are 15.2% and they get zero back. Workers pay both halves of soc sec economically even thonemployer sends in half on his bank account. 7.65% withheld from wage check but employee would get 7.65% raise if employer didn’t send its half in to IRS. And some illegals file tax returns using a taxpayer identification number, not a soc sec number. Anyone on earth can get a US taxpayer ID number. They file to show compliance in possible later application for legal status. Net is illegals pay way more tax than people think.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

5. Undocumented workers do not get food stamps

or free housing. They get some health care, but probably a whole lot less than other poor people.

The far bigger problem is companies like WalMart not paying their workers a living wage, not scheduling them full time, not giving them health care through the job. I understand that part of the new employee orientation usually involves how to apply for SNAP. Meanwhile, the Walton family aren't ever going hungry.

Keep in mind that since illegal immigrants also can't collect Social Security, they pay into it, often for years, and will never be able to collect.

[rampartc]

6. I agree that undocumented workers are not eligible for benefits

But this is the "debunking propaganda" forum, so thanks

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

7. Somehow to me your OP read as if you

were putting forth those ideas.

Sorry.

[rampartc]

8. Communication requires clear transmission

The apologies are mine.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

9. Not to worry.

Anyone else reading through this thread will understand now.

Sometimes using the sarcasm marker ( ) is helpful.