The impact of illegal immigration
Think of how many illegal aliens might be living in the United States, and then think of what that means for each individual citizen.
Perry V. Kalajian | April 30, 2026 www.americanthinker.com
Let’s separate the facts from the fiction on the impact of illegal immigration on the U.S.
Sources vary on the number of illegal aliens presently in the U.S. While some estimate approximately 11 million to 15 million, I believe that the actual number is much higher. Prior to Joe Biden’s presidency, mention had been made in some quarters of estimates ranging from 20 million to more than 32 million.
No one really knows how many illegal aliens are currently in the U.S., but if we discount the low estimates as being dispersed by unreliable left-leaning sources undercounting for purposes of supporting their political agenda, it can be argued that there might be 50 million or more.
To properly analyze the impact of these illegal aliens on the U.S., a determination as to the current population of the U.S. is required. Sources vary on the actual current population of the U.S., but the general estimate is between 341 million and 350 million. Unfortunately, these sources do not tell us how many illegal aliens are counted within their estimates, but for the purposes of this analysis and simplicity, we can take the position that the U.S. population is 350 million and that 50 million of that number — one in seven, or over 14 percent — are illegal aliens.
What is the impact of these illegal aliens on the U.S.? That can best be evaluated by looking at some of the current issues facing the country.
At the top of the list appears to be affordability. Despite the fact that most of the increase in costs for goods and services can be attributed to the Biden administration’s spending and policies resulting in inflation of approximately 21.5 percent over Biden’s presidency, the left has blamed President Donald Trump and Republicans for all escalations in expenses and successfully used the affordability argument in the New York City mayoral race and nationally. In fact, inflation was at 3.0 percent when Trump came into office in January of 2025. The lingering effects of the Biden administration’s actions resulted in an average inflation rate of about 2.7 percent during the first year of Trump’s second term in office. As Trump’s policies began to affect the U.S. economy, inflation declined to 2.4 percent in January and February of 2026 (before an aberrational rise to 3.3 percent in March, driven by the Iran conflict).
Affordability for individuals can be broken down into its elements. What if there were one less person in seven to rent or purchase a house or apartment? Consider if over 14 percent of the people currently buying groceries and all other items did not exist. The result would be that demand for the current supply of housing and other goods and services would decrease, while costs would generally decrease and availability.
Looking at the impact of illegal aliens on a more macro scale is most revealing. What if there were one fewer person out of seven in emergency rooms and otherwise receiving medical services? Suppose in excess of 14 percent of people getting welfare or government support of some kind were deported. Imagine if one in seven students in schools were no longer present. Contemplate if there were 14 percent fewer people to take jobs (or even fewer people than that). What if there were one in seven fewer individuals to commit crimes and increase the related cost both financially and emotionally? Ponder if there were more than 14 percent fewer vehicles on U.S. roads. Clearly, the result would be a decrease in demand for the same amount of supply, leading to reduced government costs for medical services, welfare, schools, unemployment, crime prevention, congestion reduction, road maintenance, and pollution. The decrease in vehicles on U.S. roads would result in the added benefit of reducing carbon emissions, which should be applauded by leftists, who claim that carbon emissions are a major contributor to their all-important issue of global warming.
Whether the actual number of illegal aliens in the U.S. is one in seven or somewhat higher or lower, the conclusion is the same: Illegal aliens are a cost to the U.S. and a detriment to the quality of life of U.S. citizens.
Estimates vary, but it is clear that the burden of illegal aliens on the U.S. taxpayer runs into the hundreds of billions of dollars annually and trillions of dollars over time. With an increasing national debt, this is an expense that the U.S. cannot carry.
It has been argued: How can the U.S. afford to deport so many illegal aliens? I would respond, how can the U.S. afford not to deport them?
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