Carbondale Reporter

In a recent report, it has been revealed that providing services to undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers in Illinois has cost taxpayers a staggering $2.84 billion since July 1, 2022. The expenses do not even account for education costs and other state and local services.

The significant taxpayer spending on non-citizens in Illinois from Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2025 includes substantial amounts allocated for support services and healthcare. Specifically, $800,000 has been earmarked for support services, with a breakdown of $478,000 for asylum seeker assistance, $160,000 for new additional state investments, and $182,000 for emergency funding requests. Healthcare costs for undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers over the same two-year period amount to over $2 billion, with a detailed breakdown across the fiscal years.

Republican lawmakers have voiced their concerns over the prioritization of funding for healthcare costs for undocumented immigrants by Illinois Democrats. They highlight the disparity where Illinois residents and hard-working individuals have to bear insurance premiums and co-pays, while non-citizens are not required to contribute to their healthcare expenses, burdening taxpayers.

The allocation of billions of taxpayer dollars towards undocumented immigrants is drawing criticism for diverting funds that could otherwise support essential programs for all Illinois citizens, especially seniors and the most vulnerable. Illinois stands out as one of only five states in the country providing Medicare-like benefits to undocumented immigrants at the taxpayers' expense.

To address these concerns, House Republican lawmakers in Illinois have introduced legislation aimed at imposing a moratorium on healthcare benefits for non-citizens and repealing the Illinois Trust Act, which designated the state as a Sanctuary State for immigrants and migrants.

The growing costs associated with providing services to non-citizens are putting a strain on Illinois' budget and prompting discussions on the sustainability of current expenditure levels.