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AtlanticJun 20
US Govt. Report: Undocumented Immigrants Boost Economy
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The Facts
Based on an estimated increase of 1.7M immigrants per year from 2021-2026, a US Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report says the country will see an increase of $1.7T in federal revenue from 2024-2034 and a $897B decrease to the federal deficit.
This figure is based on projections that through their participation in the labor market, they will pay $788B in taxes, adding $387B in federal revenue through their general effect on the economy.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Even conservatives — if they truly believe in free market capitalism — have to acknowledge that immigration is not draining the welfare system but rather helping cut back the debt. When immigrants come to America, whether legally or not, they end up working and paying significant amounts of taxes. Instead of blocking or deporting migrants, the government should encourage more people to participate in the American economy.
Republican narrative
One study on tax revenue doesn't outweigh the myriad of evidence proving that immigrants take jobs from native born Americans. When waves of immigrants come into the country, they move to up-and-coming cities, which means Americans who live there are driven out and those who planned to move there no longer have the chance. America is a nation of people, but those in power have chosen to ignore their wellbeing in pursuit of abstract GDP growth.