Yes, illegals cost us money for education and medical and other expenses. What muddies the economic argument is that they also create value. I'd love to see a hard economic analysis that shows how much value is created by illegals, versus how much is extracted in costs to taxpayers. Perhaps the net effect is negative for the economy, but until I see hard numbers, I'm skeptical. (Must be my nose getting in the way again).
As for the gardener I'm trying to fire--I don't know for a fact that he's an illegal. I didn't even hire him in the first place. Please, take your meds now.