$7.3B immigration cost to rise as New Jersey bills expand benefits, limit enforcement, shortchange impacted schools

TRENTON, N.J. — A $7.3 billion annual cost tied to illegal immigration is taking center stage in New Jersey’s policy debate, as Republican lawmakers warn expanding benefits and limiting enforcement could increase financial pressure on taxpayers.

Assemblyman Paul Kanitra (R-Ocean), a leading Republican voice on the issue, said state policies are driving both migration and spending, citing a GOP-backed report estim...