The Department of Homeland Security has publicly cited a specific dollar figure on the annual fiscal cost of illegal immigration, drawing renewed attention from taxpayers.

In an April 15 social media post, DHS stated that each illegal alien costs U.S. taxpayers nearly $8,776 per year.

The per-person figure cited by DHS originates from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)’s 2023 comprehensive cost study. FAIR and the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) have long analyzed the fiscal impacts of illegal immigration across federal, state, and local levels.

FAIR’s 2023 report estimates the net annual cost of illegal immigration to American taxpayers at $150.7 billion nationwide (total expenditures of approximately $182 billion minus roughly $31 billion in taxes paid by illegal immigrants and their households).

Under current federal law, illegal aliens are generally ineligible for most welfare programs. However, individuals granted parole or certain other statuses may be classified as “qualified aliens” and gain access to some benefits. Major cost drivers include education, healthcare, law enforcement, and other public services.

Economists and researchers note a clear distinction between legal and illegal immigration. Studies, including recent analysis from the Manhattan Institute, indicate that the average new legal immigrant is projected to be a net fiscal contributor over a lifetime, paying substantially more in taxes than they receive in benefits. In contrast, the average illegal alien represents a net fiscal cost.

Texas Bears a Significant BurdenAccording to FAIR’s 2023 analysis, illegal immigration costs Texas taxpayers nearly $13.4 billion annually — a burden significantly worsened by two years of record-high border crossings during the Biden administration.

As the current Trump administration intensifies immigration enforcement, including self-deportation incentives and removal operations, Texans and taxpayers nationwide are closely watching whether these policies will meaningfully reduce the long-term fiscal burden.