i wasnt trying to justify existence. just trying to say that its a fallacy to say illegal immigrants dont pay taxes. the average american IS NOT competing with immigrants for a job. about the only class of citizens who are, are high school dropouts. now yes, they can push wages down for unskilled labor, but at the same time, that benefits the consumer by keeping costs down on stuff like restaurants, produce, construction etc etc. there is a significant body of work out there that suggests the economic costs are either equal to, or outweighed by, the benefits. that may be the stereotype you hold, but it does not make it reality. the fact is that the majority of them are paid on payroll, not under the table. they still have to eat. is a grocery store not part of the local economy? they still buy gas at the local gas station so they can get to work. they buy cell phones etc.