“But they pay taxes, too.”
This is one of the main arguments that has been floating around a lot for the past few week, but it is not new to this debate. The Center for Immigration Studies (probably my favorite website that covers this issue), who has been addressing the whole illegal immigration issue for years, published an article back in 2002 that addresses this argument that is constantly being used by the pro-illegal immigration crowd. Here is an excerpt:
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Amnesty for Illegals Who “Pay Taxes”?
Advocates contend that illegal immigrants work hard in jobs Americans will not take, pay taxes, contribute to society, and thus should be able to earn their way to legal status. This concept, euphemistically called “earned regularization,” would create opportunities for illegal aliens to receive lawful permanent resident status by earning “credits” in a number of ways, including by paying taxes.
The withholding of taxes is involuntary. Federal, state, and local income taxes and Social Security taxes are withheld from paychecks by employers. Workers have no say in the matter. But taxes withheld are not necessarily taxes paid. The United States has a progressive income tax that applies very low tax rates to low-income households. In fact, millions of households pay no federal tax at all. It is believed that the vast majority of illegal residents who file a tax return using an ITIN get full or partial tax refunds because of the low level of their earnings. Indeed, some erroneously receive the Earned Income Credit, intended to supplement the income of the working poor. Thus, ironically, by issuing ITINs the IRS may actually be reducing the tax revenue received from illegal aliens.
Providing an amnesty of some sort to illegal aliens is opposed by a majority of Americans.24 There has been little support to do so in the current session of Congress. However, the concept is still being pushed by illegal immigrant advocates, by the Mexican government and by elected officials eager for political support from the large Hispanic community living in the United States.
The principal argument these advocates make on behalf of an amnesty is that illegal aliens pay taxes. It is true that taxes are withheld for many illegal aliens, but it is involuntary. Census data show that a high percentage of Hispanics earn very low wages. If illegal aliens were to be “regularized” and authorized to work in the United States, it is highly likely that they would pay little or no income tax. The IRS has important data relating to how many illegal aliens have been issued ITINs, how many have filed tax returns, and the net amount of tax that was paid after exemptions, credits, and refunds. This aggregated information needs to be made available to the public, so that if Congress ever debates the merits of another amnesty for illegal aliens, it can do so based on facts, not platitudes. (more…)
And when you toss in free health care, free schools, other freebies, and the cost of incarceration, illegal aliens are simply not a cost-effective cheap lbor source.
Secure the borders, and then we can talk.
Comment by Dolphin | April 18, 2006
I think in a lot of cases these people come here work and go back to mexico because of taxation and the differences between our money and theirs. I see a lot of that with other foreign legals as well I know if I were in their shoes I would do the same thing. I still sense the ever existent survival fears on our behalf why else would we care and dont give me that tax BS
Comment by Brian | April 18, 2006
I think the most crazy thing about this particular issue to me is that someone who is here illegaly can claim dependents back in their country of origin.
Open borders also means an open tax system.
Comment by Duane | April 18, 2006
We often forget that many of them work off the books because they are without proper identification. as a result, many employers welcome illegal immigrants because they don’t have to withhold taxes from waht they pay them, they don’t have to abide by minimum wage laws, they don’t have to provide them with health insurance, or any employee benefits, and most important to the employer is the fact that they don’t have to worry about breaking any labor laws because the illegal immigrant employee does not exist. We are kidding ourselves if we think that these employers are all of a sudden going to withhold taxes from their wages.
Comment by tracker6988 | April 18, 2006
Here in PA, one can buy a phony SS Card and birth certificate for $250. Many do. Legitimate companies that hire them know no different and they do all the withholding.
We had a Costa Rican who bought a package for a Puerto Rican. Unfortunately, the PR had a warrant for murder on him. Federal marshalls picked up the Costa Rican. He was later turned over to INS for deportation. They probably put him on unsecured bail, and the guy is no doubt working somewhere else, lost to the system forever.
Comment by Dolphin | April 18, 2006
This is not taxation without representation. Talk of “they pay taxes” undermines the dignity of America’s soveriengty, & their “taxes” are filthy lucre next to it.
Comment by vvarnado | April 18, 2006
while I’m at it, why is the government of Mexico allowed to have its cake & eat it to in this situation? Why isnt anyone talking out loud about how Mexico’s constitution treats immigration & citizenship? To say it regards non-Mexicans with a sort of limited “dignity” is to indulge in diplomatic nonspeak.
See http://www.ilstu.edu/class for a copy.
Also: http://www.bleedingamerica.com
Why don’t the leaders of the illegal immigrant rights movement in America call Mexico to account? Double standards. . .
vashti
Comment by foolish virgin | April 18, 2006
Vashti, Puleeze! That would be insensitive, and probably politically incorrect.
Vicente Fox can’t even control his own border towns where drug lords kill police and prosecutors, young girls who have been turned back or had their money stolen turn to protitution (Newsweek, April 17). It Ain’t Easy Being a Mexican Out Here.
But nowhere is it written, even on the Staue of Liberty, that we have to be the world’s dumping ground.
For sure some pay taxes; many, many are law-abiding and hard working; and the vast majority are trying to improve their lives. But that has to be offset by all the freebies and incarceration costs that we are paying for.
We can discuss the pluses and minuses AFTER the border is secured.
BTW Vashti, you have a great site.
Comment by Dolphin | April 19, 2006
Dolphin-
What can i say? …it was just a thought. I guess we can be thankful that it’s okay to say “secure borders” in polite company…What next moderate Mexicans and legal immigrants of every stripe taking to the streets opposing amnesty & 11-million “guest voters”?
Rome wasnt built in a day…
vashti
ps thanks for visiting my site.
Comment by foolish virgin | April 19, 2006
After reading everyones comments regarding the Immigrants working and some are paying taxes. One thing you must not forget, we Americans can argue and complain of the situation but as long as the Republicans (who are benefiting from this ordeal)continue to allow what is going on, the situation will not change.The Immigrants who are not paying taxes are not putting money into our pockets, they are supporting the white collar and 40% of the blue collar pockets, this is why the damn border has not been built since 1980s’. The issue of drugs trafficing, Immigrants Illegal crossing and then non paying tax immigrants has been going on for years. The only reason why it has become such an issue is because the U.S.N. is getting tired of these third world making money from the U.S. and then can afford to buy weapons to destroy the US. Not to mention they more likey return home and finish their living there.Overall my opion on Immigrants who are paying taxes, Let them work and live,those who are not should not be able to collect SS when they reach old age or If they become disable, send their non paying tax behind back home.
Comment by Witness to Dads are needed | October 11, 2006
North Carolina alone Hispanics contribute to billions of dollars to the states economy through purchases and taxes. And at around one hundred dollars per Hispanic, out of the states budget, pays for there heath cares education and corrections. In recent studies, that by the year 2009 Hispanics will contribute too twice as much money boosted into the North Carolinas economy than today.
Comment by Sancho | April 13, 2007
Now tell me how much in tax funded public services do illegals (you forgot to include that word) receive. I can give you the answer to that, but just want to see if you know.
A big hint: Illegals receive THOUSANDS of dollars per household (here in California) for the roughly 9,000 they contribute in taxes (it is about a $30k spread).
Comment by Duane | April 13, 2007
Instead of complaining about the illegals(it seems we as a country only mean the mexicans) because they use our services: why don’t we just make it illegal to give them government services until they become US citizens. I find it funny that there is such concern on this site about the illegals, as it seems racist. If it isn’t then why is no one concerned that they just made it easier for canadians to cross the nothern border.
Comment by fred | April 13, 2007
why don’t we just make it illegal to give them government services until they become US citizens
Sounds good to me. Now if you can just convince Bush to see it that way, you will have just made a new friend.
I find it funny that there is such concern on this site about the illegals, as it seems racist.
How does it seem racist?
If it isn’t then why is no one concerned that they just made it easier for canadians to cross the nothern border.
The difference between those that come from our southern border versus those from our north is that Canada has a government that takes care of its own.
Comment by Duane | April 13, 2007