I guess when you look at the problem in detail (and without the right wing noise machine in the background), you get a slightly different answer. Illegals are BRINGING IN 17 billion to the Texas economy, and paying more in taxes and fees than they use in services. Let the hating begin.
AUSTIN, Texas — A report by the top financial officer of Texas says illegal immigrants are more a boon to the state’s economy than a drain, adding another layer to the immigration-reform debate.
Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn found that illegal immigrants not only contributed more than $17 billion to the state’s economy in the last fiscal year, but that they also pay more than enough in taxes and fees to cover services they receive.
The report — billed as the first comprehensive analysis by any state financial officer — is being hailed by immigrant-rights groups and panned by foes who question its methodology and contend it was politically motivated.
Strayhorn just lost a bitter battle for governor after running as an independent and has been accused of manipulating state data to make Republican Gov. Rick Perry look bad. Nevertheless, her findings could inject new life into the debate over a national guest-worker program, which has stalled despite support from President Bush.
Strayhorn’s report said border crossers added $17.7 billion to the gross state product in fiscal 2005 and produced $1.58 billion in revenues by paying taxes and fees and by playing the lottery. They received $1.16 billion in services, it said.
The Federation for American Immigration Reform, which supports tougher border security and an end to illegal immigration, estimated illegal immigration costs Texas $3.7 billion a year.
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