Tax Contributions

Do undocumented immigrants pay taxes?

Undocumented immigrants play a crucial role in the U.S. economy, not only through their labor but also through substantial tax contributions that support public services and government programs. In 2023, households led by undocumented immigrants paid $89.8B in total taxes. This includes:
  • $33.9B in state and local taxes and $55.8B in federal taxes.
  • In 2023, approximately 4.9% of the U.S. workforce was undocumented.
  • 89.4% of undocumented immigrants are of working age.
Our Map the Impact tool shows the tax contributions of immigrants at the national, state and local level.

DACA Beneficiaries Pay Billions in Taxes

DACA Beneficiaries Pay Billions in Taxes

The fate of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative has left 1.3 million undocumented immigrant youth in limbo. President Trump has assured DACA recipients that they can “rest easy,” but his administration has simultaneously detained and/or deported a handful of them. In addition to the moral… Read More

Say It With Me: Undocumented Immigrants Pay Taxes

Say It With Me: Undocumented Immigrants Pay Taxes

Each year, undocumented immigrants file their tax returns, just like all Americans. They pay federal, state, and local taxes, in addition to income, property, and sales taxes. However, there are some anecdotal reports that fewer undocumented immigrants may file their taxes this year. Some tax preparers have reported declines… Read More

Undocumented Immigrants Are Making a Huge Impact as Taxpayers

Undocumented Immigrants Are Making a Huge Impact as Taxpayers

President Trump made many promises on the campaign trail. One of which was to breathe new life into what some see as a stagnant U.S. economy. In fact, there are indications that it was this one promise that motivated a great many of his supporters and may have won… Read More

The Balance Sheet on Immigration

The Balance Sheet on Immigration

This election season, tax returns have become a major campaign issue. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has refused to release his tax returns and admitted that he has not paid federal taxes in many years. In response, billionaire Warren Buffett released detailed information about his tax records.  And unauthorized… Read More

Investing in the Children of Immigrants is Critical for American Economy

Investing in the Children of Immigrants is Critical for American Economy

Immigrants make many contributions to the U.S. economy through their labor power, purchasing power, tax payments, business formation and scientific innovation. Some of these contributions are captured in traditional cost-benefit analyses; others are not. But one of their most valuable economic contributions comes in the form of their native-born children. Read More

Immigration a Boon to U.S. Economy Finds National Panel of Experts

Immigration a Boon to U.S. Economy Finds National Panel of Experts

mmigrants and their descendants make valuable contributions to the U.S. economy, according to a new report just released by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine entitled, The Economic and Fiscal Consequences of Immigration. The exhaustive report is written by a nationally recognized panel of experts. It takes… Read More

How Immigrants Strengthen the Economies of All 50 States

How Immigrants Strengthen the Economies of All 50 States

The economic and political impact of immigration is often discussed at the national level. This makes sense, especially since immigration is a nationwide issue and a federal responsibility. Yet this national focus often obscures the effects of immigration within particular states. Perhaps the most systematic and comprehensive effort so far… Read More

Adding Up the Billions in Tax Dollars Paid by Undocumented Immigrants

Adding Up the Billions in Tax Dollars Paid by Undocumented Immigrants

Undocumented immigrants are paying billions of dollars each year in taxes. In spite of their undocumented status, these immigrants—and their family members—are adding value to the U.S. economy, not only as taxpayers, but as workers, consumers, and entrepreneurs as well. Read More

Making a Difference in America: Immigrants Continue to Benefit our Nation

Making a Difference in America: Immigrants Continue to Benefit our Nation

Immigration is inextricably part of the American national identity and always has been. Immigrants are an integral part of the structural fiber that has kept the great melting pot flowing with creative ingenuity. The immigrants of times long past laid the framework for this great nation with their blood, sweat and tears. Read More

What Everybody Ought to Know About Undocumented Immigrants and Taxes

What Everybody Ought to Know About Undocumented Immigrants and Taxes

Most Americans pay taxes dutifully with the hope that they will be put to the best uses possible—and with the knowledge they will one day collect benefits from those contributions. However, undocumented immigrants who pay their taxes each year know full-well they may never actually receive many of the benefits… Read More

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