The Presidential debates are starting to heat up. As candidates prepare to campaign for their party’s nomination, at the forefront of these debates is a single issue; an issue that may in fact determine who wins—immigration. Recently a question was asked on CNN’s YouTube Republican Debates was; “if elected President, what will you do to curtail the illegal immigration into the United States, and how will you handle the millions of immigrants who are currently here in America.

While the country watches in anticipation, let’s look at the issue on a micro level, focusing only on the economic impact in Indiana. Of the 3.5% of the Hoosier population that is made up of Hispanics or Latino’s, Mexican immigrants comprise 76% of that number. We have seen the Mexican population increase 147% since 2000. (US Census .. 2006 pop. 228,457 | 2000 pop. 153,042)

Why is Indiana such a hotbed for immigration? “Indiana’s strong economy, high demand for workers, available housing, and inviting family environment has long attracted Hispanic/Latino newcomers. They in turn make significant developmental and cultural contributions to the economy, as evidenced by their rapid growth in business, media, leadership, church and celebration,” said Amy Mendoza-Hernandez, Executive Director, Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs. “Their labor bestows a competitive edge to Hoosier industry, maintaining thousands of jobs that would otherwise risk relocation, and providing a crucial foundation as Indiana strives to compete nationally in growth sectors requiring specialized skills and training. Newcomers overcome natural challenges by the commitment to achieve a better life for their families.”

What exactly is the economic impact? First, let’s consider undocumented workers. It has been made plain and clear that employers who employ illegal immigrants can face penalties as harsh as losing their business. Yet, while these threats are severe, the follow-through is nil. The argument coming from the employer side of the table is that they are hiring immigrants who are more than willing to do that jobs that American workers simply will not do. From the perspective of the white-collar, college educated worker, that might be true, but what about the blue-collar, high school or less educated worker who some classify as ‘the working poor.’ They are the ones who are losing out to the lower-wages accepted by undocumented or illegal immigrants.

While undocumented workers are a problem facing each and every one of us, let us also take into consideration the tax impact (or lack thereof) of legal immigrants. Mexico has no state or local income tax. This difference may confuse some immigrants since Indiana residents are required to pay state income tax. Furthermore, the possibility that many Mexican immigrants remain unaware of Indiana’s tax filing deadlines and procedure may be very high, resulting in a delay of state tax dollars getting to where they can be used.

It would be unfair to only cover the negative impact of immigration, therefore let us consider the buying power of Mexican born immigrants. A 2005 study from the University of Georgia Selig Center for Economic Growth, reported that the buying power of Indiana Hispanics/Latinos was over $4 billion. It is critical to understand that Indiana tax revenue is directly correlated to the buying power of each individual, documented or undocumented, Hoosier or non-Hoosier. Thus, the buying power of these minority immigrants somewhat blurs the line of their economic impact. This November, before casting your ballot, consider all aspects of the illegal immigration debates. Immigration is what has made America what it is today. However, let us not leave out the very important word—legal. A vote for amnesty would be very damaging to the United States. The argument that they have done nothing wrong can easily be answered when one understand that, illegal immigration in and of itself is a criminal act. Unless of course, you like to “prensa dos para el inglés” (press 2 for English).