Illegal immigration costs taxpayers billions, study states

 A new study by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) found illegal immigration costs governments $113 billion a year.

Cost estimates in the report, the Fiscal Burden of Illegal Immigration on U.S. Taxpayers, are based on an analysis of federal, state and local programs that are available to illegal aliens and their U.S.-born children. 

The study found states incur a majority of the $113 billion cost, with the federal government picking up only $29 billion.

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Taxes paid by illegal aliens amount to roughly $13 billion a year, but the study noted that this figure could be higher if more of them paid taxes.  

The study comes as the Justice Department announced it will sue Arizona over its controversial immigration law, saying it conflicts with federal law. 

The department seeks to delay implementation of the law, which is slated for July 29.

Arizona’s annual cost of illegal immigration is $2.5 billion a year, according to the study. 

FAIR advocates for restrictions on immigration. 

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