The cost of Illegal Immigrants

*Studies estimate illegal households created a net fiscal deficit at the federal level of more than $10 billion in 2002. Households headed by illegal aliens imposed more than $26.3 billion in costs on the federal government in 2002 and paid only $16 billion in taxes, creating a net fiscal deficit of almost $10.4 billion, or $2,700 per illegal household. Do the math!!! Who is costing us more? Now imagine that they are all allowed to pay taxes...........

You would be surprised by how much illegal immigrants pay in taxes. While the most visible illegal immigrants work under the table as day laborers, a large amount work at regular places by providing a made-up social security number. These employers withhold state, federal, UI, and payroll taxes for these employees, but since the social security numbers are fake the immigrants will never recieve any benefits. So they're a net plus to tax revenues.

           The High Cost of Deportation

*Here are some intriguing statistics that show the huge inequalities in the standards of living "within" Mexico

The average "annual" wages (in dollars) for different areas of Mexico

*The average income for a supervisor in a garage for buses is approximately $60 US per week. This is a pretty good job, working 6 days a week, about 9 hours a dayand of course, there is no such thing as overtime.

*The average income for workers in a factory in Monterrey that makes span-dex clothing (exercise stuff) makes about $45.00 per week working a different shift every month, a decent job.

*The average income for cleaning houses for a pretty well off family is about $30 per week.

These wages I have mentioned are typical for the Mexican working class.

Cost of Living: All prices were researched and recorded in Mexico City during late July and early August 2006.

*The eye test is usually given 'free' if you buy frames and glasses from the optician who tested your eyes; otherwise a small fee will apply which varies from optician to optician.

Utilities - Mexican Pesos ($)

Electricity: Domestic Electric is subsidized by the government. Lower consumption attracts lower rates, higher consumption attracts higher rates. The amount given is the average.

Gas: Mains (piped direct to house) Gas is only available in a selected areas. Most gas is supplied by means of replaceable tanks or by supply from a truck to your roof tank/s.

Water: The cost of water in Mexico varies depending on the neighborhood. More affluent neighborhoods are charged at a higher rate per M3 (1000 Liters).

Telephone: Monthly line rental includes 100 free Local Calls. Thereafter Local Calls are charged at the prevailing rate per call, regardless of call length. Exact call charges depend on what call plan package you have - they vary and change. The figures shown give an indication of the lowest and highest rates charged per minute. All calls in Mexico are rounded UP to the nearest MINUTE.

Diners: There are a number of all-day (and some 24 hr) diners throughout Mexico, VIPS (owned by Walmart) and Sanborns are the two biggest. They offer table service and menus offering Mexican and international dishes. Sanborns diners also have nocturnal bars.

Restaurants: Mexico has a massive range of good restaurants. The prices quoted for Mid Range and Up Scale Restaurants include 3 courses and a couple of alcoholic drinks but does not include items such as bottles of wine or champagne and tips which should be at least 10-15%.

Road Tax: The government levy is charged based on the car's (depreciating) book value for cars with Mexican License Plates.

Fuel: Gasoline and Diesel are provided exclusively by PEMEX in Mexico. Annual Servicing: The figure given is for an average sedan-type vehicle. Luxury models will cost considerably more; going to an independent garage instead of a dealership will cost less but the workmanship may not be guaranteed and it may invalidate a manufacturer's warranty if you have one.

Insurance: The cost of your insurance will depend on the type and model of car you have. As a rule of thumb, you should budget for between 5 and 15 per cent. of the value of the car for insurance purposes.

Entertainment - Mexican Pesos ($)

Video/DVD Rental - MX$35

Clothing* - Men - Mexican Pesos ($)

*Prices typical at Liverpool department store

*Prices typical at Liverpool department store

*Home furnishing item prices taken from price tags at a formal department store in Mexico City. Prices may vary at independent dealers and markets.

Electricity in Mexico is generally affordable, but again that depends on the city you live in, as well as the neighborhood. In lower-income to middle class neighborhoods in an average size city, a good estimate would be anywhere from $10-50 per bill, but some people who live in higher-end areas pay upwards of $200 or more. Electricity is billed every two months.

Water is also billed every two months, and again, the bill will depend on where you live. You can pay as little as $5 every two months or as much as $50. It's wise to ask to see previous bills before deciding to rent or buy a home.

Both electric and water bills can be paid at most banks, major grocery stores, some convenience stores, or the electric and water company. Gas is brought to houses by trucks that continuously drive the streets, ringing "gas bells" or announcing their presence with a loudspeaker. Generally-unless you are in a very rural area-you can count on at least one of these trucks passing by your home each day. The price of natural gas (which is set by the government) has increased greatly over the past two years and is displayed prominently on the side of the trucks. For a small tank of gas that will last the average household 2-3 weeks, the present price (September 2005) is around $36. (Source www.mexperience.com)