A recent study by the Manhattan Institute reveals that the mass deportation of unskilled criminal aliens could dramatically lower the U.S. national deficit. Researcher Daniel Di Martino presented findings showing the high cost of criminal aliens to American taxpayers and how their removal could ease the nation’s financial burden.

According to Di Martino, illegal border crossers, who are generally young and uneducated, impose a net cost of $130,000 to taxpayers over their lifetimes. For illegal immigrants who have lived in the U.S. longer, this cost rises to $196,000 due to their higher age and continued reliance on public services. Di Martino argues that mass deportations would eliminate these costs, potentially saving the U.S. over $1.1 trillion over the next 70 years.

In contrast, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has claimed that continued illegal immigration through 2026 could reduce the budget deficit by $900 billion over the next decade. Di Martino counters this claim, pointing out that the CBO’s analysis does not take into account the long-term costs associated with healthcare, retirement, and public services.

Di Martino further highlights that legal immigrants, particularly those who are highly skilled and educated, have a positive impact on the U.S. economy. His research shows that a college-educated immigrant can reduce the budget deficit by more than $300,000 over their lifetime. He advocates for a more selective immigration policy that prioritizes highly educated individuals over unskilled illegal immigrants.

Di Martino suggests that combining mass deportations with the legalization of college-educated Dreamers could save the U.S. up to $1.9 trillion, nearly doubling the savings. These findings come as President Donald Trump continues to push for mass deportation, a policy supported by a majority of Americans according to a recent poll.