The DOGE Dividend Debate: Who Gets Left Out?

The DOGE dividend plan, which aims to return a portion of government savings to taxpayers, has sparked a heated debate. The proposal, backed by influential figures, is designed to incentivize reporting waste and encourage trust in the DOGE system. However, it is facing a lot of criticism. The plan, which is still in the works, is expected to return 20% of the savings to taxpayers. With current savings estimated at $115 billion, each taxpayer could receive around $142 if the funds were distributed today. However, the effectiveness of the program is being questioned, as about 40% of the contracts terminated by DOGE so far have not generated any financial savings for the government. The idea is to encourage taxpayers to report inefficiencies and boost further savings. However, there is a significant catch. Millions of taxpaying immigrants without legal status will not be eligible for these payments. This exclusion raises serious questions about fairness and the recognition of contributions to public revenue. In 2022, immigrants in the U. S. contributed a whopping $96. 7 billion in taxes at the state, federal, and local levels. Out of this, $59. 4 billion went to the federal government, and $37. 3 billion went to local and state governments. This highlights the substantial fiscal contributions made by these individuals, despite their immigration status. The mastermind behind the proposal has stated that measures will be put in place to prevent migrants without legal status from accessing the payments. This has sparked outrage among those who believe that all taxpayers, regardless of their status, should be eligible for the benefits. The discussions are ongoing, and it is unclear when or if the legislation will be introduced. The DOGE dividend plan is a complex issue with many moving parts. It is a good idea to report waste and encourage savings, but the exclusion of taxpaying immigrants is a significant flaw. It is important to consider the contributions of all taxpayers, regardless of their status, and ensure that the benefits are distributed fairly.