Garden State Times

In a recent campaign rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, former President Donald Trump cited a report by Assemblyman Paul Kanitra on the financial impact of illegal immigration on New Jersey residents. The rally drew an audience of approximately 100,000 people.

The report in question was compiled during Kanitra's recent visit to the Texas-Mexico border and revealed some alarming statistics. Trump shared these findings with his audience, stating, “They’re coming in illegally because the benefits in addition to other reasons. According to a new study, illegal immigration is already causing New Jersey residents $7.3 billion every single year. That’s $2,100 per household, more than any state anywhere in the country, and it stops the spending on bridges, roads, NJ Transit and all of those other things that we need.”

While Trump attributed this issue to his political rival Joe Biden, Kanitra pointed towards Democrat policies in New Jersey as a significant factor enticing people from around the world to break laws for financial gain. He mentioned that these individuals receive over $8,000 in taxpayer funds for housing, medical care, education and legal services. Additionally, they cost New Jersey residents $15 million annually for deportation battles.

“President Trump nailed it when he said we Americans have big hearts and want to help people, but that we can’t afford these Democrat policies that throw taxpayer money and benefits at illegal immigrants,” Kanitra (R-Ocean) commented. “The United States and New Jersey governments need to uphold law and order and put United States and New Jersey legal residents, including those immigrants here legally, first.”

Kanitra is advocating for a comprehensive review of federal, state and local laws and programs that benefit illegal immigrants. His proposed changes include ending education subsidies and legal and medical assistance for illegal immigrants; securing the southern border; and requiring state cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Kanitra released his report along with an accompanying video on May 7.