Fact Check: Undocumented immigrants paid $96.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2022, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.

Fact Check: "Undocumented immigrants paid $96.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2022, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy."

What We Know

According to a report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), undocumented immigrants contributed approximately $96.7 billion in taxes at the federal, state, and local levels in 2022. This figure includes $59.4 billion in federal taxes, which encompasses $32.3 billion in social insurance taxes (like Social Security and Medicare) and $19.5 billion in federal income taxes. The report also states that undocumented immigrants paid about $37.3 billion in state and local taxes, with significant contributions coming from sales, excise, and property taxes (ITEP, Governing).

The report highlights that undocumented immigrants, on average, paid around $8,889 in taxes each, which is comparable to the tax contributions of the median income group in the U.S. (ITEP). Additionally, it notes that despite their substantial tax contributions, undocumented immigrants are often ineligible for many public benefits funded by those taxes, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (ITEP).

Analysis

The claim that undocumented immigrants paid $96.7 billion in taxes in 2022 is supported by multiple credible sources, including the ITEP report, which is a well-regarded, non-partisan organization focused on tax policy. The ITEP's methodology for estimating tax contributions includes data on income levels, tax rates, and the demographics of undocumented immigrants, which adds credibility to their findings (ITEP, Work Authorization for Undocumented Immigrants Would Improve Tax ...).

However, it is essential to note that while the ITEP is generally viewed as a reliable source, it is also described as a "left-leaning think tank" (NYSSCPA). This characterization may introduce a degree of bias in how the data is presented, particularly in the context of immigration policy debates. Nonetheless, the data itself appears to be robust, as it is corroborated by various outlets and studies (Governing, Work Authorization for Undocumented Immigrants Would Improve Tax ...).

The comprehensive nature of the report, which breaks down contributions by tax type and outlines the implications of undocumented immigrants' tax payments, further supports the validity of the claim. The report's findings are consistent across multiple reputable sources, reinforcing the assertion that undocumented immigrants contribute significantly to the U.S. tax system.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that undocumented immigrants paid $96.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2022 is accurate, based on a thorough analysis of data from the ITEP and corroborating reports. The evidence presented is consistent and comes from a credible source, despite potential biases in the interpretation of the data. The substantial tax contributions of undocumented immigrants highlight their economic impact, even as they face restrictions on accessing many public benefits.

Sources

1. Study says undocumented immigrants paid almost $100 ...
2. $96.7 billion
3. Work Authorization for Undocumented Immigrants Would Improve Tax ...
4. Tax Payments by Undocumented Immigrants - ITEP
5. Report: Undocumented Immigrants Contributed Nearly $100 Billion in ...
6. Report on Federal and State Tax Contributions by ...
7. PDF Tax Payments by Undocumented Immigrants
8. State and Local Tax Contributions by Undocumented Immigrants