The Migration Policy Center reports that in 2021, 32 percent of immigrants (both citizen and non-citizen) used government health insurance. That's comparable to 38 percent of natives.
Yet, even by this conservative measure of immigrant welfare usage, the best we can say is that immigrants use welfare at a rate slightly lower than that of natives. One could argue that, at the low end, immigrants receive (per capita) about 70 to 75 cents for every welfare dollar that goes to natives. That's not exactly "good news" given that overall federal spending on social benefits amounts to about half of the annual $6.3 trillion budget and is clearly out of control. The fact that natives get most of this is hardly an exoneration of immigrants. It's more of an indictment of native-born Americans, millions of whom exploit their most productive fellow citizens every month to keep the government benefits flowing.
We need to limit all immigration and applicants must be vetted for financial assets and ability.
Low or unskilled applicants must be rejected
I don't know if it will surprise you that my position isn't that different from yours. I'd favor a sponsorship program, rather than government vetting. You can come in if a credible sponsor will take responsibility for your social costs in the event you don't pay your way.
That would mean no free school, no free medical care, no free roads, etc. Either the immigrant pays or their sponsor pays.
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