A Manhattan Institute study has concluded that the mass deportation of unskilled criminal aliens could significantly reduce America’s national deficit. Researcher Daniel Di Martino detailed how the deportation of illegal immigrants, who impose substantial costs on the American taxpayer, would lead to major savings.
Di Martino’s research shows that the average illegal border crosser costs U.S. taxpayers $130,000 over their lifetime due to their low level of education and reliance on public services. For older illegal immigrants, this figure climbs to $196,000. Di Martino argues that deporting these individuals would save the U.S. over $1.1 trillion in the coming decades.
The study contrasts with a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report, which claims that continued illegal immigration through 2026 would reduce the budget deficit by $900 billion. Di Martino disputes this, pointing out that the CBO’s analysis overlooks the long-term costs associated with public services, entitlement programs, and retirement.
The report highlights that highly educated legal immigrants have a much more positive impact on the U.S. economy. Di Martino’s research indicates that college-educated immigrants reduce the budget deficit by $300,000 each, as they typically earn higher incomes and pay more in taxes while relying less on government assistance.
Di Martino advocates for a selective immigration policy that focuses on bringing in educated, skilled workers. He suggests that if this approach were combined with mass deportations, the U.S. could reduce the federal deficit by $1.9 trillion.
President Donald Trump has proposed a policy of mass deportation, which has received support from a majority of Americans. A recent poll shows that 54% of respondents favor the plan, including strong backing from Republicans and independents.
