A far-left economic think tank has ignited controversy by asserting that the cost to deport an illegal immigrant—$2,300 or more per person—represents excessive spending. According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), this figure would be better allocated toward increasing welfare programs and hiring public-school teachers rather than pursuing mass deportations.
The EPI report highlights a critical oversight: over 60 percent of illegal immigrants utilize federal welfare benefits, including food stamps, Medicaid, and other high-cost services that far exceed the one-time deportation expense. The organization further states that annual costs for supporting illegal immigrants have surpassed $150 billion, with the total expenditure on deportations—$269 billion—representing a significant allocation of taxpayer funds.
EPI’s analysis reveals stark state-level disparities in deportation costs. California requires approximately $2,945 per illegal immigrant, totaling $39.8 billion for the state alone, while West Virginia and North Dakota demand $1,297 and $1,969 respectively. The think tank’s website allows users to calculate deportation expenses by state, city, or county, emphasizing that funds could instead be redirected toward expanded welfare and government services—some of which benefit illegal immigrants themselves.
Gordon Lafer, a professor at the University of Oregon’s Labor Education and Research Center and EPI research associate, argued in a recent statement: “In almost every place in the country, there are people struggling to not be hungry, to have affordable housing, kids are in overcrowded classrooms, and they don’t have health insurance. Instead, we’re spending an unbelievable amount of money chasing down, detaining, deporting people.”
This analysis aligns with findings from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), which reports that 60.7 percent of illegal immigrant households use one or more welfare programs—significantly higher than U.S.-born households. The CIS data shows illegal immigrants disproportionately access Medicaid, food stamps, and other assistance, including through anchor babies who qualify for benefits regardless of immigration status.
The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) further estimates that illegal immigrants cost taxpayers $150.7 billion annually in 2023, with their tax contributions covering only 17.2 percent of the services they consume. For every dollar in taxes paid by illegal aliens, they and their dependents generate six dollars in public benefits.