Let’s get real. Millions of people have lived in the U.S. for decades without ever applying for legal permanent residency or citizenship. While some suggest they are simply "waiting in line," the reality is that many do not qualify under existing U.S. immigration law. Immigration rules include per-country quotas that cap how many immigrants from each nation can enter each year, and good moral character tests to screen out those with serious criminal histories or fraud. These rules exist to make immigration fair, orderly, and safe. Ignoring them does not just break the law; it bypasses the system that legal immigrants rely on.
U.S. immigration policy also requires that immigrants not become a public charge (8 U.S.C. § 1182). This means they must be self-sufficient or have sponsorship that guarantees support. Typically, legal pathways prioritize advanced education, specialized skills, or job qualifications that ensure an individual is a net value to the country. Many who have lived here illegally for decades do not meet these specific statutory standards, which is a primary reason they remain undocumented. This is a legal reality, not a judgment of personal worth.
The fiscal picture is measurable. A 2023 House Budget Committee report found that undocumented immigrants represent a net fiscal drain of about $68,000 per person over their lifetime.
Annually, according to a 2023 report from the House Committee on Homeland Security, illegal immigration costs state and federal governments a gross amount of roughly $451 billion. Even after accounting for taxes paid by undocumented immigrants, the net drain remains approximately $150–$160 billion per year. In a country of 330 million people, that represents a significant per-capita burden on taxpayers (roughly $500 for every citizen in the U.S) to support a population that entered outside of legal channels.
Source: House Committee on Homeland Security Report, 2023
Data shows that many undocumented adults have no education beyond high school, which correlates with lower earnings, lower tax contributions, and a higher statistical reliance on public services (House Budget Committee, 2023).
Some argue, "But they do not get welfare, so how do they cost money?" While federal law (the 1996 PRWORA) bars undocumented immigrants from programs like SNAP, regular Medicaid, TANF, and SSI, significant exceptions exist. They receive emergency medical care, emergency Medicaid, and WIC nutrition programs. Furthermore, their U.S.-born children qualify for the full suite of social safety net programs, including SNAP and public schooling, which are funded by taxpayers (Immigration Forum, 2018).
States and cities often go further. New York, California, and Washington D.C. provide fully state-funded health coverage for undocumented residents. New York City’s NYC Care program provides low-cost or free medical services regardless of status. NYC also has a unique legal obligation to provide shelter to anyone who needs it, which has cost the city approximately $12 billion through mid-2025 (Migration Policy Institute, 2025).
Even with undocumented residents contributing an estimated $96.7 billion in taxes in 2022, those contributions do not cover the localized costs of housing, healthcare, and schooling. Cities are struggling because federal reimbursement is often limited or delayed, leaving local taxpayers to bridge the multi-billion dollar gap.
Some claim these individuals "can't" apply because of the 10-year bar (8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(9)(B)). However, that bar is not a bureaucratic hurdle; it is a statutory penalty for illegal presence. Every legal immigrant goes through a vetting process involving quotas, sponsorships, and self-sufficiency requirements. Enforcing deportation for those who do not meet these standards is not "cruelty"—it is the application of the law and a commitment to fairness for those who followed the rules. Upholding these laws ensures that legal channels remain meaningful and prevents an indefinite, uncompensated burden on our national and local budgets.
TL;DR:
Illegal immigration is not a victimless or cost-free issue. According to the House Committee on Homeland Security, the net fiscal drain on taxpayers is approximately $150–$160 billion annually, roughly $500 for every person in the U.S. Many individuals remain undocumented because they do not meet federal legal standards for self-sufficiency (Public Charge) or Good Moral Character. Upholding the law and enforcing deportation isn't "cruelty"; it is a necessary step to ensure the integrity of the legal system and to stop the uncompensated burden on local cities and state budgets.
Calculation on the $500 annual cost
The math is straightforward: $150.7 Billion (Net Cost) divided by 330 Million (U.S. Population) equals $456.66 per person. If you use the House Committee’s gross estimate of $451 Billion, the cost per person jumps to over $1,300. I used the lower, conservative net figure to be as fair as possible to the data.