Another take on it. "FAIR" comes up with a far different result in numbers. I can see why there is such a wide disparity of opinion on the subject in this country. Somewhere there is truth- but I doubt we'll find it any time soon.

From Fox News:

"The cost of harboring illegal immigrants in the United States is a staggering $113 billion a year -- an average of $1,117 for every "native-headed" household in America -- according to a study conducted by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).

"The study, a copy of which was provided to FoxNews.com, "is the first and most detailed look at the costs of illegal immigration ever done," says Bob Dane, director of communications at FAIR, a conservative organization that seeks to end almost all immigration to the U.S. 

"FAIR's opponents in the bitter immigration debate describe the organization as "extremist," though it is regularly called upon to testify before Congress.

"Groups that support immigration reform immediately attacked FAIR's report and pointed out that it is the polar opposite of the Perryman Report, a 2008 study that found illegal immigration was actually a boon to the American economy. It estimated that illegal immigrants add $245 billion in Gross Domestic Product to the economy and account for 2.8 million jobs.

No Wonder We are Confused