The unauthorized Mexican immigrant population and welfare in Los Angeles County: a comparative statistical analysis

An examination of a 1994 household survey of foreign-born Mexicans in Los Angeles County, California and the Current Population Surveys of March 1994 and 1995 revealed several surprising facts about welfare use by illegal immigrants. It was found that unauthorized Mexican immigrants in that area use welfare at a similar or lesser rate than other ethno-racial groups. In addition, Mexican welfare recipients do not use as much in terms of value as individuals from other groups who also access welfare. These findings negate prevailing public beliefs about welfare use by illegal immigrants.