Expert: Michael Troy - 12/5/2006

Question
Do illegal aliens pay taxes, get social security, medicaid/medicare?
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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Do u know if they can receive any government assistance & if so,what kind,  can they have a bank acct, etc.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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I'm doing a project for school and I want to know about the rights of illegal
aliens. My part of the project is to find out what rights illegal immigrants have
the minute they step onto US soil.
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By and large, illegal aliens have the same rights as any other US resident.  They have the right to free speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, the right to due process, etc.  Children have a right to attend public school.  Workers have a right to minimum wage and other worker rights.  They have rights to police protection.

The main rights they do NOT have are the right to vote and to remain in this country.  They are also limited from receving public assistance and a few other benefits.

The big issue is that illegal aliens cannot do anything to enforce most of these rights.  If they are being mistreated by an employer, they cannot go to court to enforce their rights because if authorities become aware of their illegal status, they can be deported.  So while they technically have these rights, their illegal status keeps them from being able to enforce those rights against those who violate them.

For more info, you may find this site helpfu:

http://www.aclu.org/immigrants/gen/11663res20040806.html

I hope this helps!
- Mike


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Illegal aliens can take advantage of general services such as use of parks, museums, etc.  Their children can attend public school.  Hospitals must provide emergency services.  

There is no law preventing them from getting a bank account.  However, since such accounts require a Social Security or Taxpayer ID number, most illegal aliens effectively cannot get one.

Most social benefits such as AFDC (commonly called "welfare") or food stamps, housing assistance, are not available to illegal aliens.  

Answer
They are ineligible for Social Security or Medicaid/Medicare.  If they are getting it, it is with the fradulent use of a Social Security number.  Many illegal alients are paid under the table in cash, which means they do not pay taxes.  If they are paid as legitimate employees, then yes, many do pay taxes.

I hope this helps!