At a time of economic recession, rising unemployment, and deepening budget deficits, policymakers and the public are increasingly concerned about the impact of immigration, especially undocumented immigration, on state and local economies. Accurately assessing the costs and contributions of immigrants, particularly undocumented immigrants, is a challenge, but research shows that between one-half and three-quarters of undocumented immigrants pay federal and state income taxes, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes. The Immigration Policy Center provides a survey of a number of state studies which have found that immigrants in general—and the undocumented specifically—contribute to the public treasuries and economies of many states and localities. (April 28, 2009)
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