Washington Post Ignores Americans' Immigration Costs While Sympathizing with Illegal Aliens' Legal Fees
Source: Eddie Scarry. "Washington Post Worries Illegals Might Pay Their Own Legal Fees." May 13, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The author argues that the Washington Post is wrong to worry about illegal immigrants having to pay their own legal fees when Americans are already paying huge amounts in taxes to support illegal immigration. He says the media should focus on how much illegal immigration costs Americans instead of feeling sorry for people who broke immigration laws.
Conclusion
The Washington Post's concern for illegal aliens' legal fees is misplaced given the massive financial burden illegal immigration imposes on American taxpayers
Premises
- American taxpayers pay nearly $70,000 per illegal alien over a lifetime, totaling close to $1 trillion for an estimated 13 million illegal aliens
- Almost 60 percent of illegal alien-led households use at least one welfare program
- Illegal aliens cost the American education system close to $70 billion annually
- Illegal aliens cost $22 billion annually in taxpayer-funded medical care
- Each individual American taxpayer pays roughly $1,000 every year to cover illegal immigration costs
- Legal fees for deportation proceedings are voluntary expenses that illegal aliens choose to incur, unlike the mandatory costs imposed on Americans
- The Washington Post focuses on sob stories about illegal aliens while ignoring the financial and safety costs to Americans
Assumptions
- The cited statistics from immigration restrictionist organizations are accurate and representative
- Illegal aliens should bear responsibility for their legal situation and associated costs
- American taxpayers' financial burden should take priority over illegal aliens' hardships
- Media outlets should focus on American citizens' interests rather than illegal aliens' difficulties