In today’s political climate illegal immigration in California highlights one of the most popularand controversial debates currently taking place in the United States. After Gov.
Gavin Newsom signed a measure making California the first state in the country to offer government-subsidized health benefits to young adults living in the U.S. illegally,California has become home to the largest number of immigrants in the United States. Currently ranked number one, California is the home of approximately three million undocumented immigrants from all over the world. This significant number is striking the attention of citizens across the country many of whom are angered by the occurring situation. Despite the negative beliefs, illegal immigration does have its shareof pros and cons affecting the state of California both good and bad.
One of the biggest benefits of illegal immigration in California is the fact that although undocumented aliens do not pay taxes, they still consume products.
They buy plenty of retail, most of which come with sales tax that has a direct impact on the economy. Because illegal immigrants provide such a varied customer base, they allow for success in the retail of goods, products and services. As the overall customer base increases, the economy also grows. Another benefit of illegal immigration can be the cheap labor that most undocumented individuals provide. Considering that California relies heavily on cheap labor provided by immigrant workers, they make ideal employees in various sectors especially since undocumented immigrants take on jobs that most locals would not consider ideal positions.
With such cheap labor being provided by undocumented individuals it is no doubt that it creates an extremely competitive market for jobs, one of the first downfalls of the illegal immigration in California. Because of inexpensive labor manybusiness owners are willing to take a chance on hiring unauthorized immigrants when consideringthe monetary benefits. Hiring an undocumented person over a person with documentation will keep the employer from having to contribute payroll taxes for their employees.
Another negative impact that California is facing as a result of illegal immigration in an overpopulation issue. The large number of illegal immigrants in the State puts a great deal of strain in many things necessary to live a better life. There are problems in public services, urban neighborhoods have become extremelycongested, and the spread and damage of contagious diseases are more prevalent than ever.
With California becoming the first state to provide healthcare to undocumented young adults it has angered many Americans because is costing taxpayer’s money.According to recent statistics, illegal immigrants and their children cost the State of California a net $30.29 billion per year which equates to $7,352 per illegal alien, or roughly 17.7 percent of California’s state budget. The outrageous number has caught the attention of many angered Americans throughout the United States, knowing that the money is coming out of their pockets via taxes. President Trump opposes those subsidiesas well, stating: “You look at what they’re doing in California and how they’re treating people, they don’t treat their people as well as they treat illegal immigrants, so at what point does it stop?” (Fox News 0:38-0:45)
While some immigrants can be used for cheap labor, others heavily rely on welfare benefits at the expense of taxpayers’ money. This is one of the reasons that many Americans strongly oppose the idea of three million undocumented immigrants living in California and even more throughout the Unites States. Some economists consider the benefits that illegal immigration bring outweigh the costs while others disagree. The topic of illegal immigration will continue to be a controversial one, especially in the State of California. Being such a Democratic state, it will be no surprise if the illegal immigrants will continue to receive subsidies at the cost of taxpayers’ money.