**Assemblyman Releases Report on New Jersey’s Illegal Immigration Crisis**
Trenton, N.J. – Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, following a research trip to the U.S.-Mexico border, has released a report and video detailing the extent, size, and cost of illegal immigration in New Jersey. During his trip, Kanitra heard from officials who believe the state’s policies are enticing individuals to flout the law to access taxpayer-funded benefits.
The report highlights that almost one in ten New Jersey residents entered the country unlawfully and is receiving around $8,000 annually in taxpayer-funded assistance, covering areas such as housing, medical care, education, and legal aid. Lieutenant Chris Olivarez from the Texas Department of Public Safety emphasized that incentivizing illegal immigration amplifies the issue rather than solving it.
“During my border trip, judges, border patrol agents and Texas state troopers unequivocally stated that our actions here in New Jersey are incentivizing and encouraging people worldwide to break our laws and access the taxpayer-funded benefits we’re providing,” Kanitra (R-Ocean) said.
Only 7% of migrants are reportedly seeking asylum. Kanitra’s recommendations, including redirecting migrant benefit allocations to fund return flights for those in the state illegally who wish to go back home and eliminating state funding for legal proceedings against deportation, aim to tackle the problem by restoring law and order.