Bill would tally effect of illegal immigration

State lawmakers are pushing for an in-depth study of illegal immigration in Massachusetts, saying the financial and social impacts of an estimated 200,000 undocumented residents are largely being ignored.

“We have a problem and it’s not being addressed,” said Rep. John Fernandes (D-Milford). “There are state and local impacts, and to ignore them because it’s a federal problem is irresponsible.”

Fernandes’ bill, to be considered by a legislative committee today, would create a special commission to examine the impact of illegal immigrants on services ranging from schools to housing to health care and public safety.

The measure, which has seven co-sponsors, would also probe exploitation of illegal immigrants and determine how much tax revenue the state is losing due to undocumented labor.

The prospects for the bill are uncertain, but opponents argue that such a study would focus too much attention on numbers and money, rather than considering humanitarian aspects of the immigration problem.

“This isn’t about data, it’s about people,” said Ali Noorani, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. “We’re in favor of dialogue and relationship building, but we’re not sure this is going to get us to that point.”

But Fernandes said the immigration debate in Massachusetts and elsewhere has become so ideological that basic facts about the problem are being ignored.

“I’m not trying to take an extremist position,” he said. “I’m trying to take moderate position to allow people to talk about this issue without being threatened as to their beliefs.”

The special commission, to be made up of 25 lawmakers, immigration experts and government officials, would be given six months to study the issue.