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it's really interesting we're discussing this, because i'm studying up on it as we speak for my labor econ exam. i found a paragraph rather interesting.

"Illegal immigration has been the major focus of immigration policy in recent years, so it is interesting to consider how it, in particular, is likely to affect the overall disposable incomes of American citizens. While the exact answer is unknown, three considerations suggest that illegal immigration may be more likely to increase native incomes than legal immigration!

"First, illegal immigrants come mainly to work, not for purposes of family reunification. Therefore, they clearly add to the production of domestic goods and services. Second, while they tend to be poor, they are ineligible for many programs (welfare, food stamps, social security, unemployment) that transfer resources to low-income citizens. Third, despite their wish to hide from the government, immigrants cannot avoid paying most taxes (especially payroll, sales, and property taxes); indeed, one study indicated that 75 percent of illegal immigrants had income taxes witheld but that relatively few filed for a refund." - 9th ed. Modern Labor Economics: Theory and Public Policy

that basically just backs up exactly what cowgold said. and if you'd like the citations of the sources the paragraph talks about, i can give them to you.

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