On health care, Camarota found about 165,000 uninsured illegal immigrants and U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants in Maryland. The conventional wisdom is that uninsured illegal immigrants seek care in emergency rooms, driving up costs. But determining what share of medical services they use is tricky. In fact, Camarota and other demographers have found uninsured illegal immigrants tend to cost less taxpayer money than citizens who lack insurance.
Overall, however, Camarota says the immigrants arriving in the U.S. in recent years - legal and illegal - tend to have less education and earn lower wages, making their reliance on public services more likely.
Meanwhile, other studies find that illegal immigrants contribute their share in income, property and sales taxes, and tend to earn higher wages the longer they are here.
Last month, a report by the nonpartisan Commonwealth Institute in Richmond, Va., revealed that the state's 250,000 to 300,000 illegal immigrants earn between $2.6 billion and $3.1 billion in income, paying between $260 million and $311 million in state taxes. When the payroll taxes of employers are considered, the figures for taxes paid increase to between $379 million and $453 million.
Virginia, a state that has recently become a destination for illegal immigrants, is embroiled in heated debates over the issue. Prince William County launched a crackdown last week, cutting off public services to illegal immigrants and encouraging local police to check the immigration status of anyone suspected of breaking the law.
"What has been happening in the debate in Virginia is no one has been acknowledging the tax side of the equation," said Michael Cassidy, executive director of Commonwealth Institute.
Other states' results reveal a mixed bag. In December 2006, the Texas comptroller found illegal immigrants cost the state $1.16 billion in services, but paid $1.58 billion in taxes and fees. Counties, however, felt the impact, spending $1.44 billion for uncompensated health care and law enforcement costs.
Fiscal costs and benefits aside, many believe illegal immigrants contribute to the growing economy, flocking to prosperous areas and participating in the boom by working and spending money, Capps said.
"You could do a study either way, and find a modest cost or benefit to the taxpayer, and you'd be missing the big picture, which is the huge benefit to the economy," he said. "There is certainly a big economic benefit. As long as there is a growing economy."
kelly.brewington@baltsun.com
