Peoria Standard

Illinois taxpayers are feeling the weight of the financial burden caused by providing services to undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers. According to a recent report, the estimated cost to taxpayers since July 1, 2022, is a staggering $2.84 billion. This figure does not even account for education expenses or other state and local services, making the total cost even higher.

In detailing the breakdown of taxpayer spending on non-citizens from Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2025, it was revealed that $800,000 was allocated for support services. Of this amount, $478,000 was designated for asylum seeker assistance, $160,000 for new additional state investments, and $182,000 for emergency funding requests.

The healthcare costs for undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers over the same two-year period are equally concerning, totaling over $2 billion. This includes substantial amounts in each state budget year, with $619 million in Fiscal Year 2023, $773 million in Fiscal Year 2024, and $629 million proposed for Fiscal Year 2025.

Republican lawmakers in Illinois have been vocal in their criticism of the Democratic priorities, particularly regarding the exponential increase in healthcare costs for undocumented immigrants. As Illinois residents and hard-working parents struggle to afford insurance premiums and co-pays, undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers have not been required to contribute to their healthcare expenses, placing the burden squarely on taxpayers.

The significant funds being diverted to support undocumented immigrants are taking away resources that could otherwise be used to bolster essential programs for all Illinois citizens, especially seniors and those in vulnerable social and economic situations. Illinois stands out as one of only five states in the United States that provide Medicare-like benefits to undocumented immigrants, all at the expense of taxpayers.

In response to these escalating costs, House Republican lawmakers in Illinois have introduced legislation aimed at addressing the issue. Among these measures are a proposed moratorium on healthcare benefits to non-citizens (House Resolution 220) and a bill to repeal the Illinois Trust Act (House Bill 4187), which established Illinois as a Sanctuary State for immigrants and migrants.

The ongoing debate surrounding the financial implications of sanctuary state policies in Illinois underscores the complex challenges faced by policymakers in balancing the needs of all residents while ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability.