Impact of Illegal Aliens on Public Assistance Programs: Too Little Is Known

Existing information is inadequate to reasonably estimate the extent or cost of illegal aliens receiving public assistance under Federal, State, and local government programs. Whether the payments illegal aliens contribute to the welfare system by paying taxes are sufficient to offset the benefits received is also unknown. However, public assistance programs do not appear to provide significant incentives for aliens to enter and remain in the United States illegally. The impact of illegal aliens on the following public assistance programs was investigated: Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid/Medicare, food stamps, unemployment insurance, and public education and housing.