Illegal Immigration in Pennsylvania

Yesterday, Rep. Metcalfe held a press conference promoting the National Security Starts at Home reform package. The bills would make it more difficult for illegal immigrants to live and work in Pennsylvania. Metcalfe estimates that illegal aliens cost taxpayers $285 million annually. Much of this cost comes from the free medical and social services they receive.

Faced with the complicated legal immigration process (see this chart from Reason) it’s no wonder immigrants cross the border illegally and then migrate to states with extensive welfare systems including Pennsylvania. If state government officials concentrated on being responsible stewards of taxpayer money, instead of running inefficient charities, we could decrease the number of illegal immigrants flocking to the Commonwealth.

For more on welfare in Pennsylvania click here.