WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Simultaneous studies, released this week by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), document the true costs of illegal immigration in Maryland and demonstrate strong voter objections to the burdens placed on them by illegal immigration. The price tag associated with providing education, health care and incarceration of criminal illegal aliens is at least $1.3 billion a year, finds The Costs of Illegal Immigration to Marylanders. The impact is clearly recognized by Maryland voters. A new Pulse Opinion Research poll of 1,000 likely voters across the state found that, by a large margin, Marylanders believe that illegal immigration is harming their state.
The Costs of Illegal Immigration to Marylanders found that taxpayers spend:
The cost study is based on an estimate that the illegal alien population in Maryland is now 250,000 persons. The illegal alien population of Maryland has grown exponentially during this decade, nearly quadrupling since 2000.
- $ 1.1 billion a year to educate illegal immigrant children and the U.S. born children of illegal immigrants.
- $ 167 million a year on unreimbursed health care for illegal aliens.
- $ 29 million a year to incarcerate criminal illegal aliens.
- The total represents an annual cost to each of Maryland's native-born headed households of $ 625.
In a separate report, English Learners and Immigration: A Case Study in Prince George's County, Maryland, FAIR examines the impact of mass immigration in local schools in Prince George's County. Because of large-scale legal and illegal immigration, the county has seen its non-English proficient student population grow from 7,064 in 2004 to 13,825 today. Programs to teach immigrant students English cost the county more than $66 million a year.
The Pulse Opinion Research poll found that:
"Voters in Maryland, like voters everywhere, want their elected officials in Washington and Annapolis to protect their interests, their jobs, and their tax dollars from the impact of mass illegal immigration," said Dan Stein, President of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). "The failure of government at all levels to institute and enforce sensible immigration policies is costing Marylanders jobs, billions in tax dollars, and their children the opportunity to get the quality education they need and deserve. At a time when state lawmakers are slashing budgets, spending on illegal immigrants in Maryland continues to rise over the strong objection of voters."
- 73% of Maryland voters say illegal immigration has a negative impact on the state. Only 20% believe it has a positive impact on Maryland.
- 77% of Maryland voters believe illegal aliens have a negative impact on the state budget, versus only 15% who believe their impact is positive.
- 65% of Maryland voters believe that illegal immigration harms the state's schools. Only 18% believe illegal immigration has had a beneficial effect on education.
- 55% believe illegal immigration should be reduced through better enforcement of immigration laws. Only 36% of Maryland voters favor amnesty or legalization for current illegal aliens.
The Costs of Illegal Immigration to Marylanders, English Learners and Immigration: A Case Study in Prince George's County, Maryland and a summary of the Pulse Opinion Research results are available at www.fairus.org.
About FAIR
Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 250,000 members nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.
A prominent Prince George's County government lobbyist and husband of the county school board chairwoman was sentenced today to three years of probation for his most recent drunken driving arrest.
...
Jacobs' driving record includes seven counts of driving under the influence, prosecutors said. He had been on probation at the time of his April arrest, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors asked the judge on Tuesday to give Jacobs an additional 10 months in jail, noting his long record and evaluations that implied he did not consider his drinking to be a problem.
PRESS RELEASE
August 7, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince Georges County Sheriff Michael A. Jackson has been tapped to serve on the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Criminal Justice Advisory Board. His 20 years of law enforcement experience will be called upon as he offers advice and guidance to the Criminal Justice curriculum that UMUC offers its students.
Sheriff Jackson, who himself earned a Masters of Science in Management from the John Hopkins University in May, said “law enforcement is forever evolving; we’ll chart the newest trends important to crime prevention
and implement them into the UMUC program.”
Dr. William Sondervan, director of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation at the University of Maryland, also stated, “Sheriff Jackson will be a great asset to our board. Our students will benefit greatly from his input.” The Board will also seek to implement more courses that are specific to the roles and responsibilities of deputy sheriffs, such as courtroom security and service of court documents.
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