Got in an email. Obviously doesn't apply to every single illegal, but makes a great point nonetheless.

  • Joe Legal works in construction has a Social Security number and makes $25.00 per hour with taxes deducted.
  • Joe illegal also works in construction has no Social Security number and makes $15.00 per hour cash, under the table.


Ready?... now pay attention...

  • Joe Legal: $25.00 per hour × 40 hours = $1,000.00 per week or $52,000.00 per year. Now, take 31% away for State and Federal taxes. Joe Legal now has $31,231.00.
  • Joe illegal: $15.00 an hour × 40 hours = $600.00 per week or $31,200.00 per year. Joe illegal pays no taxes. Joe illegal now has $31,200.00.


  • Joe Legal pays medical and dental insurance with limited coverage for his family at $600.00 per month, or $7,200.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $24,031.00.
  • Joe illegal has full medical and dental coverage through the State and local clinics and emergency hospitals at a cost of $0.00 per year. Joe illegal still has $31,200.00.


  • Joe Legal makes too much money and is not eligible for food stamps or welfare. Joe legal spends $500.00 per month for food or $6,000.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $18,031.00.
  • Joe illegal has no documented income and is eligible for food stamps, WIC, and welfare. Joe illegal still has $31,200.00.


  • Joe Legal pays rent of 1,200.00 per month or $14,400.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $9,631.00.
  • Joe illegal receives $500.00 per month Federal rent subsidy. Joe illegal pays out that $500.00 per month or $6,000.00 per year. Joe illegal still has $31,200.00.


  • Joe legal pays $200.00 per month or $2,400.00 per year for car insurance. Some of that is uninsured motorist insurance. Joe Legal now has $7,231.00.
  • Joe illegal says, "We don't need no stinkin' insurance."... and still has $31,000.00.


  • Joe Legal has to make his $7,231.00 stretch to pay utilities, gasoline, etc.
  • Joe illegal has to make his $31,200.00 stretch to pay utilities, gasoline, and what he sends out of the country every month.


  • Joe Legal now works overtime on Saturdays or gets a part-time job after work.
  • Joe illegal has nights and weekends off to enjoy with his family.


  • Joe Legal's and Joe illegal's children both attend the same elementary school. Joe Legal pays for his children's lunches while...
  • ...Joe illegal's children get a government-sponsored lunch.


  • Joe illegal's children have an after school ESL program.
  • Joe Legal's children go home.


Now, when they reach college age...

  • Joe Legal's kids may not get into a State school and may not qualify for scholarships, grants or other tuition help, even though Joe has been paying for State schools through his taxes, while...
  • ...Joe illegal's kids go to the, 'head of the class' because they are a minority.


Joe Legal and Joe illegal both benefit from the same police and fire services, but Joe Legal paid for them and Joe illegal did not.