BUILDING A BETTER GREENSBORO, TOGETHER.

The Financial and Community Impact of Illegal Immigration on Greensboro Residents

How Illegal Immigration is Straining Greensboro’s Resources and Impacting Its Citizens’ Lives

Illegal immigration is more than a national issue—it’s one that significantly affects cities like Greensboro, where residents are feeling the financial and social consequences firsthand. With nearly half a million illegal immigrants residing in North Carolina, the strain on public resources and community infrastructure in Greensboro is growing. According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), illegal immigration costs North Carolina taxpayers $3.14 billion annually, which translates to $779 per household. For Greensboro citizens, this burden comes at the expense of quality public services, public safety, and economic stability.

“At every turn, Secretary Mayorkas has ignored statutes and undermined the rule of law. He has released illegal aliens into the U.S. instead of detaining and removing them,” said the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) in a press release praising the House’s action. “He has established permanent parole programs for hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals, violating the law that requires parole be granted temporarily and only on a case-by-case basis. He has allowed known terrorists and Special Interest Aliens to cross into the country unimpeded.”

FAIR analyzes the effects of illegal immigration on the United States, highlighting the significant financial burden created by millions of illegal immigrants entering the country since President Joe Biden assumed office. According to Mayorkas, 85% of migrants encountered at the southern border are being released into the country.

FAIR’s June 2023 estimate shows that, currently, 16.8 million illegal immigrants live in the US. The 2023 cost study shows that 488,000 live in the Tar Heel State, along with their 169,000 US-born children.

Economic Burdens on Greensboro Households

Greensboro households face significant financial challenges from the rising costs of illegal immigration. Local taxpayers are shouldering their share of North Carolina’s annual $3.14 billion in related expenses, which include:

  • Education Costs: Illegal immigrant households contribute to overcrowding in Greensboro’s public schools, with an additional 122,218 students statewide; education expenses amount to $1.47 billion annually. For Greensboro families, this means larger class sizes, reduced resources, and limited funding for programs designed to benefit local students.

  • Healthcare Strains: Healthcare systems in Greensboro are experiencing increased patient loads, driven in part by the need to provide uncompensated care for undocumented individuals. This raises costs for residents and limits access to care for those who need it most.

  • Public Safety and Legal Costs: Local law enforcement, legal systems, and correctional facilities are under pressure, contributing to a statewide cost of $461.1 million. Greensboro’s police and courts are spending valuable resources addressing the consequences of illegal immigration, leaving less time and money for community-focused initiatives.

 

Educational Challenges for Greensboro Students

The influx of students from illegal immigrant households directly impacts Greensboro’s public schools. Already facing funding challenges, schools in the city must now accommodate more students with fewer resources. This increases class sizes and reduces teachers’ ability to provide individualized attention to students. Local parents are frustrated as their children face diminished educational opportunities due to stretched budgets.

 

Public Safety Threats to Greensboro Residents

Public safety is a growing concern for Greensboro citizens. North Carolina has seen an increase in crimes tied to illegal immigrants, and Greensboro has not been immune to these issues. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), many of the 170,590 illegal immigrants arrested nationwide in 2023 had multiple criminal charges, including violent offenses.

Drug trafficking routes through Greensboro bring dangerous substances, such as fentanyl, into the city. This contributes to the state’s devastating overdose crisis, with over 13,000 fentanyl-related deaths recorded in North Carolina over the past nine years. In 2023 alone, Greensboro residents have seen the effects of these dangerous drugs in their neighborhoods.

 

Strains on Public Services in Greensboro

Illegal immigration also places a heavy burden on public services in Greensboro. Local hospitals are overburdened, with uncompensated care costs driving up healthcare expenses for everyone. Social programs face increased demands, limiting the availability of resources for Greensboro citizens in need. These strains reduce the quality of life for local families and create frustration among taxpayers.

 

A Call to Action for Greensboro’s Leadership

The impact of illegal immigration on Greensboro residents demands immediate attention. Local leaders must work to prioritize the needs of their constituents. Strengthening cooperation between Greensboro law enforcement and federal immigration authorities could improve public safety, while advocacy for state-level reforms, such as House Bill 10, could help alleviate some of the city’s financial and social pressures.

Additionally, Greensboro officials should collaborate with state and federal leaders to address the root causes of these challenges. It is critical to ensure that federal immigration policies are enforced and that local communities are provided with the resources they need to manage their impacts.

 

Prioritizing Greensboro’s Citizens

The financial and societal costs of illegal immigration are being felt in every corner of Greensboro. The city’s challenges are real and immediate, from the burden on schools to the strain on public safety and social services. For Greensboro to thrive, its citizens must remain the priority. Addressing illegal immigration at the local level is not just a matter of policy—it’s about protecting the well-being of Greensboro families, ensuring their safety, and preserving the quality of life that makes this city a great place to live.

By taking a proactive approach, Greensboro can find sustainable solutions to these challenges, advocate for its citizens, and build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous community.