As a retired math teacher, I tutor now and get a lot of work. There's a family I work for who immigrated here, legally or illegally, I don't know. They homeschool their daughter and I stop by twice a week to help get her through high school math. They never shared with me what they do for income. Today, I came over at a scheduled time and both parents wearing the medical boots we have frequently seen of noted politicians and celebrities. When I inquired, they told odd stories of how they fractured their ankles in two separate incidents. I found the stories hard to believe. Hanging around this site and VOAT before that, I know that these boots have been used to hid ankle monitors.
Do you think I have a reason to be suspicious?
There are a lot of ways to make money in America illegally. All those discount beverage stores like D & C, B & G, L & Z etc... sell lots of products off the books, that's why Sam's sells all kinds of individually wrapped snacks. They also sell cigarettes and booze at inflated prices for EBT and ring up as food sales. 10 years ago that caught one store selling 30K a month in food stamps, average store did 7k.
Also those who come with a lot of money buy homes and rent out all the rooms. There are people with good jobs who want to live upscale lifestyles and will pay to live in a large home with amenities like pools and maid service.
Businesses that deal in cash like laundries and car washes. Laundry does 30K a month, but on the books its 12k.
Then the drugs, the fentanyl doesn't sell itself.
These people have found little niches in our culture and fill the gaps.