Undocumented immigrants are a pillar of the U.S. economy, not a drag on productivity and services. That's the message of a letter our Orange County office sent to Assembly Republican holding hearings this month about the impact of undocumented immigration on California. The hearings, billed as "town hall forums," do not include an opportunity for public testimony.
"We are concerned these so-called 'town hall forums' will fail to give the full picture,' said Hector Villagra, director of the ACLU/SC Orange County office. 'Many studies show undocumented immigrants create jobs, boost the economy, and pay more in taxes than they use in services and benefits.'
Among the findings reported in the letter: Undocumented workers enhance the productivity of skilled U.S.-born workers, and their spending creates jobs.
