ASSERTION: Undocumented immigrants are a net drain on the U.S. economy because they use valuable resources and take public welfare.

RESPONSE:  This is not true, for several reasons:  First, undocumented immigrants are not eligible for any type of public assistance programs.  They are only eligible for emergency medical care and for schooling for children.  According to the Urban Institute, less than 1 percent of households headed by undocumented immigrants receive cash assistance (because of their U.S.-born children), while 5 percent of households headed by U.S. born citizens do.  Further, studies demonstrate  immigrants (both legal and undocumented) pay more in total taxes than the benefits they receive.  The National Research Council estimated in 1997 that an immigrant pays each year $1800 more in taxes than he or she costs in benefits....  As a general rule, undocumented immigrants do have a negative impact 1) upon arrival in the United States;  and 2) on state and local budgets, since their initial costs are born by these government levels.  After two or three years in the workforce they become net contributors to the economy.