As of 2010, there were an estimated 200,000-plus undocumented immigrants working in Arizona. The left-leaning Center for American Progress looked at what might happen hypothetically if every unauthorized worker in the state were deported, versus if they were all granted legal status.

CAP says 100 percent deportation would mean a $2.4 billion hit to tax revenue, and a $13.3 billion decrease in gross state product. Conversely, they found legalization would create an extra half billion dollars in tax revenue for Arizona.

But Steve Camarota of the conservative Center for Immigration Studies says CAP is ignoring the effect on unemployed, low-income legal residents.

“That report is assuming none of these people can benefit by the departure of the illegals, even though what we know about these less-educated folks who aren’t working is they mostly work in things like food service, and building cleaning and maintenance, and construction, exactly where the illegals work,” Camarota said. “So the departure of the illegals could have a very nice impact on the poorest segment of Arizona’s population.”

Read more at Fronteras News Desk