There are several bills dealing with undocumented immigrants pending this session. McCoy said the study's findings will be useful as lawmakers debate such bills in the future, likely including another attempt at repealing a law allowing them to pay in-state tuition at Utah's universities and colleges. That repeal could resurface again this session after it narrowly died in the House this week.

Senate Majority Leader Curt Bramble, R-Provo, said he wanted to see McCoy's request in writing before commenting on it but generally liked the idea.

"I think the issue of the cost of illegal aliens in the state of Utah — education, health care, criminal justice — all of those things are a concern. It would be very difficult to look at those without also considering the contributions," Bramble said.

"If you're going to have a study, it's important to look at all the issues," he said, citing the strain placed on hospitals and schools, as an example of costs. "The bottom line with immigration, though, is the abject failure of the federal government to address the issue."

Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, said there are social benefits associated with undocumented immigrants such as their ability to speak other languages that might be difficult to calculate in such a study.

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