The Consequences of Legalization Versus Mass Deportation in Virginia

The Consequences of Legalization Versus Mass Deportation in Virginia describes the direct impacts of either deporting or legalizing undocumented workers in the state of Virginia. The state has one of the largest populations of unauthorized immigrants, and it has played and will continue to play a pivotal role in elections as a swing state.  

Debates about the economic and fiscal benefits and drawbacks of immigrants tend to oversimplify the role that immigrants play. Immigrants are workers, consumers and taxpayers. The effects of their labor and consumption on economic growth and fiscal health must be factored in when considering how to address the situation of a large undocumented workforce.  

The undocumented population of Virginia numbers around 210,000 (2.7 percent) but makes up 3.1 percent of the workforce. They generate $9.68 billion of gross state product and $1.74 billion in tax revenue. According to the report, if 100 percent deporation occurs, a loss of $5.2 billion in wages, $1.74 billion in tax revenues and $9.68 billion in gross state revenue will result.  

In reality, the effects of mass deportation or legalization would be much larger than the report reveals. Mass deportation, for example, would result in an indirect negative impact on local businesses because there would be less money circulating in the local economy, which would lead to further job losses. The estimates reported in this report should thus be considered conservative rather than exhaustive.  

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