Net positive economic results for illegal immigrants in Arizona . . .?

Question

This morning, economic figures for the state of Arizona were released. These figures were compiled to specifically address the problem of illegal immigrant labor. The study found that gross cost for the state was 1.4 billion with a gross gain of 29.2 million . . . leaving the state nearly 28 billion net positive. Do you think the Federal mandates to target employers who hire illegal immigrants will ultimately hurt the economic growth of Arizona. Unemployment, even with immigration, is estimated to be about 3.5% . . . well below the national average. Is it unrealistic to address economic data on a state by state measure . . . ? Outside of the obvious political situation, how would you handle the economic deficit? (I'm looking for an economic answer, but all will be appreciated.)

CNN interview which Arizona legislator . . .

Answer 1

for every illegal that a company hired out they should pay a penalty to the U.S.A.government; then hand the illegal to Mexico or any other country and get 2,000.00 for every illegal that is handed out to a foreign country; if there is no money; they should pay their restitution with oil,land, or any collateral that the UNITED STATE can collect ; their government will get the idea..

Answer 2

Please show source. Could not find the interview, but my feeling are that we the citizens of the USA have the right to set our own immigration policy, and not the illegals no matter how hard working or well intended. As to the economics, for what period of time was sited, and what about the long term consequences on schools, heath care, roads and such. What happens when there is a slow down in the building trades and other jobs that the illegals do. Then there is the question of fairness, why allow large numbers of illegals to come when the people have told the congress in no uncertain terms that amnesty is off the table, for now and who knows when it will, if ever will be passed. Then there is the issue that the gain is only because the illegals are illegal and not able to access social welfare programs, so if amnesty was passed, would not that swipe out the surplus

Answer 3

Arizona has reached or passed what is referred to as "full employment" where every citizen wanting a job has one for all intensive purposes. Furthermore, Arizona has been able to absorb a significant number of immigrants (legal or illegal) into its borders without impacting the native workforce. I would not say this is a justification for illegal immigration, but shows why people are coming here so easily. Arguably, the economy of Arizona is dependent on a steady flow of labor into the state. Immigration is really the only source of low skilled labor, something most westerns states are short of.

Answer 4

Illegals have been here for many decades, and the USA has always been a strong country economically. Employers pay no health care, retirement, etc. and wages are low. In return, the company has much more money to spend in the USA.

Do illegals drain the health care system? Nonsense. It all balances out with the savings from their hard labor. Obesity with all its needs/side effects has an enormous impact on the health care system.