Patrick M. Brenner, founder and president of the Southwest Policy Institute, addressed the fiscal impact of undocumented immigration in New Mexico. He emphasized the contributions from undocumented individuals while noting the high costs associated with public services. Brenner's remarks were made in a December 6 post on the Southwest Policy Institute's website.
"The net fiscal impact suggests that the costs associated with undocumented immigrants exceed their tax contributions, resulting in a financial burden on the state's taxpayers," said Brenner, CEO, Founder and President. "Addressing this challenge requires comprehensive and balanced immigration reform that considers both the economic contributions and the public costs of undocumented immigration. Without such reforms, the current budgetary strain will persist, affecting the state's ability to provide critical services and invest in its long-term prosperity."
According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, undocumented immigrants in New Mexico contributed approximately $153.8 million in state and local taxes in 2022. Projections suggest this figure could rise to $174.1 million if these individuals were granted work authorization or other legal status.
A study conducted by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) in 2013 indicated that illegal immigration imposes an annual fiscal burden of about $717 million on New Mexico taxpayers. This cost is divided into several categories, including $438 million for K-12 education for children of illegal immigrants, both undocumented and U.S.-born, with an additional $54 million allocated for supplemental English language instruction. Healthcare and social assistance programs account for $108 million, while law enforcement and justice-related expenses total $76 million.
Since January 2021, the United States has seen an increase of approximately 2.6 million undocumented immigrants, bringing the total to an estimated 12.8 million as of October 2023. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, this surge has fiscal implications as undocumented immigrants are estimated to impose a net lifetime fiscal drain of $68,000 per individual when considering all taxes paid minus the cost of services received.
The Center for Immigration Studies also reports that approximately 69% of adult undocumented immigrants lack education beyond high school compared to 35% of U.S.-born adults. This educational gap contributes to 59% of undocumented immigrant households using at least one major welfare program compared to 39% of U.S.-born households.
Brenner is not only involved with SPPI but also previously served as Vice President of Development at the Rio Grande Foundation, where he led donor engagement and transparency litigation programs.
