Joe Legal vs. José Ilegal
Both families have 2 parents, 2 children and live in California.
"Joe Legal" works in construction, has a Social Security Number,
and makes $25.00 per hour with payroll taxes deducted.
"José Ilegal" also works in construction,
has NO Social Security Number,
and gets paid $15.00 cash "under the table".
Joe Legal... $25.00 per hour x 40 hours =
$1000.00 per week = $52,000 per year.
Now take 30% away for state and federal tax.
Joe Legal now has $31,231.00.
José Ilegal... $15.00 per hour x 40 hours = $600.00 per week =
$31,200.00 per year. José Ilegal pays no taxes.
José Ilegal now has $31,200.00.
Joe Legal pays for Medical and Dental Insurance
with limited coverage ...
$1000.00 per month = $12,000.00 per year.
Joe Legal now has $19,231.00.
José Ilegal has full Medical and Dental coverage through
the state and local clinics at a cost of $0.00 per year.
José Ilegal still has $31,200.00.
Joe Legal makes too much money to be eligible for Food Stamps
or Welfare so Joe Legal pays for food... $1,000.00 per month =
$12,000.00 per year.
Joe Legal now has $7,231.00.
José Ilegal has no documented income and is eligible
for Food Stamps and Welfare.
José Ilegal still has $31,200.00.
Joe Legal pays rent of $1,000.00 per month =
$12,000.00 per year.
Joe Legal is now in the hole -<$4,769..00>.
José Ilegal receives a $500 per month Federal rent subsidy,
which entirely pays his rent of $500.00 per month =
$6,000.00 per year.
José Ilegal still has $31,200.00.
Joe Legal now works overtime on Saturdays and
gets a part time job after work to make ends meet.
José Ilegal has nights and weekends off to enjoy with his family.
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Joe Legal's and José Ilegal's children both attend the same school.
Joe Legal pays for his children's lunches while José Ilegal's
children get free government sponsored lunches.
Joe Legal's children go home after school.
José Ilegal's children have an after school ESL
program which, again, is provided free of charge.
Joe Legal and José Ilegal both enjoy the same Police and
Fire Services, but Joe Legal paid for them and
José Ilegal did not pay.
