ILLEGALS COST MARYLANDERS $1.4 BILLION
ANNUALLY
By Delegate Pat McDonough

Maryland has the unfortunate designation of being a “sanctuary state.” According to Homeland Security, the definition of a “sanctuary state” is a place where the elected leadership, such as the Governor and General Assembly, provide programs that benefit illegal aliens. Policies such as access to drivers’ licenses, in-state tuition discounts, health benefits, and a general welcoming attitude contributes to a inducement encouraging illegals to flood into our state. I have proclaimed for years the large number of illegals residing in Maryland, more than 300,000 (and continuously increasing) is costing taxpayers a huge amount of money.

Now a new study by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (F.A.I.R.) has exposed the fact that illegals are costing Maryland citizens more than 1.4 billion dollars annually. This figure is probably low because certain other benefits were not included and the study is based upon a population figure of only 250,000 illegals. The study was just released this month. The costs imposed on citizens during these difficult economic times and budget deficits become even more of a burden because programs for education, seniors, and other necessary services are being drastically cut. The annual fiscal burden amounts to approximately $790 per Maryland household.

The cost to educate an estimated 80,000 children of illegal aliens in pre-K through Grade 12 in public schools is about $966 million annually. An additional amount of nearly $250 million dollars is spent providing special English instruction. In addition, illegals’ medical costs are 167 million per year.

The impact of crime, gangs, and drugs is increasing and becoming a growing problem for law enforcement beyond just the cost factor. Dangerous gangs, such as MS13 and the Latin Kings, are proliferating in many of Maryland’s counties, spreading costs to local government. Federal strike forces and Homeland Security efforts are burdening Marylanders through their federal tax obligations. The cost of incarcerating illegal criminals amounts to about 29 million dollars a year. This figure does not include related law enforcement and judicial expenses for the monetary cost of the crime that caused the incarceration. Of course, the pain and suffering and in some cases, murder, of American citizens has resulted from this explosion of illegal alien criminals.

Finally, accurate figures are being revealed to a deserving public. The Governor, illegal alien advocates, and the media, as expected, are ignoring the study. A study revealing hate crimes against illegals would be on the front page and a top priority for action by Governor O’Malley. The double standard and hypocrisy are evident. Censorship by omission is a clever tool often used by the liberal media in Maryland.

Mainstream Marylanders with common sense know the extent of this problem related to jobs, healthcare, taxes, crime, and other burdens. They cannot understand why politicians ignore the problem and even help make it worse. During my past 8 years of service in the General Assembly, I have introduced numerous pieces of legislation dedicated to fighting this invasion of our state. The Governor and General Assembly leaders have defeated these proposals. I characterize these politicians as “lawmakers who support lawbreakers.” Once again, in the 2010 session of the Maryland General Assembly, I will continue the battle for “citizen’s rights” with new legislation. Should I run for Governor and if elected, I pledge to use the authority of that high office to guarantee that Maryland will no longer be a “sanctuary state.”

Should you wish to assist me with this effort, call me at 410-238-0025 or send an e-mail to Patmcdee@comcast.net .