Who Are These Unauthorized Who Are These Unauthorized Immigrants and What Are We Immigrants and What Are We

Going To Do About Them?Going To Do About Them?

UNTUNT Speaks Out Speaks Out

Valerie Martinez-EbersValerie Martinez-Ebers

April 13, 2011April 13, 2011

Growing Diversity in the United Growing Diversity in the United States’ Population States’ Population

• National PopulationNational Population 308.745,538 Million308.745,538 Million• Non-Hispanic Whites Non-Hispanic Whites 63.7%63.7%• LatinosLatinos 16.3%16.3%• African AmericansAfrican Americans 12.6%12.6%• AsianAsian 4.8% 4.8%• Am Indians/Alaskan NativeAm Indians/Alaskan Native .9% .9%• Native Hawaiian/Pacific IslanderNative Hawaiian/Pacific Islander .2% .2%• Two or More RacesTwo or More Races 2.9% 2.9%

• Change from 2000-2010Change from 2000-2010• NationalNational 9.7% 9.7%• Non-Hispanic WhitesNon-Hispanic Whites 5.7% 5.7%• LatinosLatinos 43.4% 43.4%• Blacks/African Americans 12.3%Blacks/African Americans 12.3%• AsiansAsians 43.3% 43.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, March 2011

The Foreign-born (Immigrants) are 12.5% of the total US

population.

Source: US Census Bureau, 2009 American Community Survey

Hispanic Births and Net Immigration Hispanic Births and Net Immigration by Decade: 1960-2030by Decade: 1960-2030

2.61.3

3.2 34.4

5.57

8.19.2

7.6

11.2

7.3

13.4

8.1

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

1960-70 1970-80 1980-90 1990-2000

2000-10 2010-20 2020-30

Births Immigration

Source: Tienda and Mitchell Multiple Origins, Uncertain Destinies. 2006 Adapted from Figure 2-1.

Mill

ions

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2009

Europe

Asia

Canada

Latin America

Africa

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Censuses 1960 to 2000 and 2009 American Community Survey

Immigrant Patterns by Place of Origin, 1960-2009

The Status of the Foreign-Born The Status of the Foreign-Born Population Population

31.4%

37%

3.4%

.8%

28.1%

Legal permanent residents

Naturalized citizens

Unauthorized immigrants

Refugees and asylees

Non-immigrants

Source: Adapted from Congressional Research Service, The US Foreign-Born Population Trends and Selected Characteristics,2009

Unauthorized Unauthorized ImmigrantsImmigrants

Are 3.7% of the entire US population

and 5.1% of US workers.

Source: US Census Bureau, 2009 American Community Survey

Unauthorized Immigrant Unauthorized Immigrant Population, 2000-2009Population, 2000-2009

8.49.4 9.3

9.810.3 10.5

11.311.8 11.6

10.8

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

in Millions

Source: CPS (2000-2003); U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2004-2009)

Methods of EntranceMethods of Entrance

Admitted on valid non-immigrant visas but Admitted on valid non-immigrant visas but overstay or violate the terms of stayoverstay or violate the terms of stay

Admitted based on fraudulent documentsAdmitted based on fraudulent documents

Enter without inspection by crossing over Enter without inspection by crossing over SW or Northern US bordersSW or Northern US borders

Percentage of Unauthorized Percentage of Unauthorized Immigrants by Country of OriginImmigrants by Country of Origin

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

As of March 2009

Mexico

Other Latin AmericanCountries

South and East Asia

Europe and Canada

Middle East, Africaand other countries

Source: Pew Hispanic Center estimates based on March CPS Supplements

A Profile of Immigrants to the USA Profile of Immigrants to the US

About two-thirds come from rural or poverty About two-thirds come from rural or poverty stricken areas of their home countries.stricken areas of their home countries.

Most see immigration as a tool for economic Most see immigration as a tool for economic survival; they come to work or for education and survival; they come to work or for education and many believe their stay in the US is temporary.many believe their stay in the US is temporary.

Their rate of employment is slightly higher than Their rate of employment is slightly higher than US born. Most have more than one job.US born. Most have more than one job.

Source: Migration Policy Institute, Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrantsand immigration in the US, December 2010; Latino National Survey, 2006-2007

An Immigrant Profile (cont.)An Immigrant Profile (cont.)

About half are Limited English ProficientAbout half are Limited English Proficient Their level of education is bi-modal, many have Their level of education is bi-modal, many have

less than a HS diploma (32%), however almost less than a HS diploma (32%), however almost as many have college degrees (27%).as many have college degrees (27%).

About 50% are women; 13% are under 18 years About 50% are women; 13% are under 18 years of age; 22.5% are considered middle-classof age; 22.5% are considered middle-class

They have great affection and respect for the US They have great affection and respect for the US and its citizens; they believe in “The American and its citizens; they believe in “The American Dream.”*Dream.”*

Source: Migration Policy Institute, Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrantsand immigration in the US, December 2010; Latino National Survey, 2006-2007;*Fraga et al, 2010

Unauthorized DistinctivenessUnauthorized Distinctiveness

More are likely to be fleeing countries torn More are likely to be fleeing countries torn by civil war or governed by harsh military by civil war or governed by harsh military regimes; and yet are unable to obtain regimes; and yet are unable to obtain refugee or asylum statusrefugee or asylum status

Lower income and less educatedLower income and less educated

Recent Reform ProposalsRecent Reform Proposals

Increasing funding for border and interior security – to Increasing funding for border and interior security – to build more physical barriers and increase surveillancebuild more physical barriers and increase surveillance

Increasing employer enforcement provisionsIncreasing employer enforcement provisions Increasing the number of work visasIncreasing the number of work visas Authorize local police officers to inquire about Authorize local police officers to inquire about

immigration status of people they stop, detain or immigration status of people they stop, detain or arrest in enforcing existing state law arrest in enforcing existing state law

Require immigrants to always carry on their person Require immigrants to always carry on their person proof of immigration statusproof of immigration status

An “earned” pathway to citizenship for “eligible” An “earned” pathway to citizenship for “eligible” unauthorized personsunauthorized persons

DREAM ActDREAM Act

Public Attitudes towards Public Attitudes towards ImmigrationImmigration

Attitudes towards immigration reflect current Attitudes towards immigration reflect current definitions of who “should” be members of definitions of who “should” be members of the American politythe American polity

U.S. immigration policy has ebbed and U.S. immigration policy has ebbed and flowed between openness and restrictionflowed between openness and restriction Not always related to economics or national Not always related to economics or national

securitysecurity Race or ethnicity (represented often as national Race or ethnicity (represented often as national

origin) for most of our history has been the key origin) for most of our history has been the key determinant of inclusiondeterminant of inclusion

Many social scientists predict we are Many social scientists predict we are entering a new restrictive eraentering a new restrictive era

Public Opinion on Unauthorized Public Opinion on Unauthorized ImmigrantsImmigrants

Illegal Immigration was NOT a big issue in the US as recently as Illegal Immigration was NOT a big issue in the US as recently as January 2006, ranking a distant 6January 2006, ranking a distant 6thth on the list of national issues, on the list of national issues, today it ranks 3 or 4 depending on the poll today it ranks 3 or 4 depending on the poll

When asked if they think illegal immigration is a serious problem, a When asked if they think illegal immigration is a serious problem, a growing majority of respondents say it is a very serious problem. growing majority of respondents say it is a very serious problem. (NY Times/CBS 2010)(NY Times/CBS 2010)

Only 36% think the law passed in Arizona– which gives police the – which gives police the power to question someone they have already stopped, detained, or power to question someone they have already stopped, detained, or arrested about their legal status in the country, and requires people arrested about their legal status in the country, and requires people to produce documents verifying their status if asked – to produce documents verifying their status if asked – goes too far. (NY TimesI/CBS 2010)(NY TimesI/CBS 2010)

Only 25% think the Arizona law will ease the undocumented problem in Arizona . . (AP/Univision 2010)(AP/Univision 2010)

More Public OpinionMore Public Opinion 42% say the priority should be to tighten border security more strictly 42% say the priority should be to tighten border security more strictly

enforce immigration laws enforce immigration laws AND ALSOAND ALSO create a way for people here create a way for people here illegally to become citizens if they meet certain conditions (Pew 2010).illegally to become citizens if they meet certain conditions (Pew 2010).

39% favor and 57% oppose changing the Constitution to bar citizenship 39% favor and 57% oppose changing the Constitution to bar citizenship to children of undocumented (Pew 2010).to children of undocumented (Pew 2010).

Three quarters think illegal immigrants are a drain on the economy Three quarters think illegal immigrants are a drain on the economy because they do not all pay taxes but use public services like hospitals because they do not all pay taxes but use public services like hospitals and schools, while 20% think immigrants strengthened the economy by and schools, while 20% think immigrants strengthened the economy by providing low-cost labor and buying goods and servicesproviding low-cost labor and buying goods and services

54 -70% support the DREAM Act (Gallup, New Focus 2010)54 -70% support the DREAM Act (Gallup, New Focus 2010)

32-65% favor 32-65% favor limiting the number of legal immigrants entering the entering the country (NY Times/CBS, Pew 2010). country (NY Times/CBS, Pew 2010).

Final ThoughtsFinal Thoughts

The vast majority of Americans want The vast majority of Americans want comprehensive immigration reform NOT comprehensive immigration reform NOT just policy that focuses on unauthorized just policy that focuses on unauthorized immigration.immigration.

Currently, no such proposal is being Currently, no such proposal is being considered by the Congress.considered by the Congress.

What Does It Mean To Be An What Does It Mean To Be An “American”?“American”?

• Cultural Cultural (Huntington 2004)

• Anglo, protestant, English languageAnglo, protestant, English language• Hegemonic, assimilationist, non-repententHegemonic, assimilationist, non-repentent

• Civic Civic (Schlesinger 1992)

• Commitment to democratic values of Commitment to democratic values of participation, tolerance, conflict resolutionparticipation, tolerance, conflict resolution

• Inclusive, pluralistic, evolutionaryInclusive, pluralistic, evolutionary

One Legislative Approach One Legislative Approach

Sensenbrenner's HR 4437, The Border Protection,Sensenbrenner's HR 4437, The Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, passed in House, 239-182 on Dec. 16, 20052005, passed in House, 239-182 on Dec. 16, 2005 Undocumented immigrants are felons  with mandatory Undocumented immigrants are felons  with mandatory

prison sentencesprison sentences Criminalizes organizations/individuals assisting Criminalizes organizations/individuals assisting

undocumented, punishable up to 5 years in prisonundocumented, punishable up to 5 years in prison Increases fines on employers who hire Increases fines on employers who hire

undocumented, from $250-$10,000 to $5,000-undocumented, from $250-$10,000 to $5,000-$25,000) and repeat offenders are subject to felony $25,000) and repeat offenders are subject to felony chargescharges

Grants state and local law enforcement agencies Grants state and local law enforcement agencies "inherent authority" to enforce immigration laws, no "inherent authority" to enforce immigration laws, no federal funding if they fail to enforce federal funding if they fail to enforce

Enhances border protection with a 700-mile double Enhances border protection with a 700-mile double fence along Mexican borderfence along Mexican border

U.S. Citizenship: 3 DefinitionsU.S. Citizenship: 3 Definitions Jus SoliJus Soli: Citizens are born on U.S. soil.: Citizens are born on U.S. soil. Jus SanguinisJus Sanguinis: Citizenship by the blood, if one parent is : Citizenship by the blood, if one parent is

a U.S. citizen the child is considered a U.S. citizen.a U.S. citizen the child is considered a U.S. citizen. Naturalized citizenNaturalized citizen: A resident for 5 years as a legal : A resident for 5 years as a legal

permanent resident *if you are married to a citizen, permanent resident *if you are married to a citizen, serving in the armed forces or an adoptee there are serving in the armed forces or an adoptee there are loopholes*loopholes*

At least 18 years oldAt least 18 years old must be of good moral charactermust be of good moral character must be finger printedmust be finger printed must take an oath of renunciation of their country of origin and must take an oath of renunciation of their country of origin and

an oath of allegiance to the USan oath of allegiance to the US must be able to proficiently speak, read and write in Englishmust be able to proficiently speak, read and write in English must have a working knowledge of US History and Governmentmust have a working knowledge of US History and Government must pay all application fees and attend all interviews as must pay all application fees and attend all interviews as

requiredrequired

What Would You Do With Illegal What Would You Do With Illegal Immigrants?Immigrants?

Growing Diversity in the United Growing Diversity in the United States’ Population States’ Population

• National PopulationNational Population 308.745,538 Million308.745,538 Million• Non-Hispanic Whites Non-Hispanic Whites 63.7%63.7%• LatinosLatinos 16.3%16.3%• African AmericansAfrican Americans 12.6%12.6%• AsianAsian 4.8% 4.8%• Am Indians/Alaskan NativeAm Indians/Alaskan Native .9% .9%• Native Hawaiian/Pacific IslanderNative Hawaiian/Pacific Islander .2% .2%• Two or More RacesTwo or More Races 2.9% 2.9%

• Change from 2000-2010Change from 2000-2010• NationalNational 9.7% 9.7%• Non-Hispanic WhitesNon-Hispanic Whites 5.7% 5.7%• LatinosLatinos 43.4% 43.4%• African Americans 12.3%African Americans 12.3%• AsiansAsians 43.3% 43.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, March 2011

Rates of Naturalization By Rates of Naturalization By Countries of Origin, 1995-2008Countries of Origin, 1995-2008

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Europe Canada Asia Africa Lat Am Mexico

1995

2008

Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey Briefs, 2009

Example of Punitive Reform Example of Punitive Reform

Sensenbrenner's HR 4437, The Border Protection,Sensenbrenner's HR 4437, The Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, passed in House, 239-182 on Dec. 16, 20052005, passed in House, 239-182 on Dec. 16, 2005 Undocumented immigrants are felons  with mandatory Undocumented immigrants are felons  with mandatory

prison sentencesprison sentences Criminalizes organizations/individuals assisting Criminalizes organizations/individuals assisting

undocumented, punishable up to 5 years in prisonundocumented, punishable up to 5 years in prison Increases fines on employers who hire Increases fines on employers who hire

undocumented, from $250-$10,000 to $5,000-undocumented, from $250-$10,000 to $5,000-$25,000) and repeat offenders are subject to felony $25,000) and repeat offenders are subject to felony chargescharges

Grants state and local law enforcement agencies Grants state and local law enforcement agencies "inherent authority" to enforce immigration laws, no "inherent authority" to enforce immigration laws, no federal funding if they fail to enforce federal funding if they fail to enforce

Enhances border protection with a 700-mile double Enhances border protection with a 700-mile double fence along Mexican borderfence along Mexican border

Federal DREAM ActFederal DREAM Act Bi-partisan legislation introduced by Senators Hatch (R-Bi-partisan legislation introduced by Senators Hatch (R-

UT) and Durbin (D-IL) in Fall 2010UT) and Durbin (D-IL) in Fall 2010 Proposed law would have grant conditional legal status Proposed law would have grant conditional legal status

to children who were illegally brought to this country to children who were illegally brought to this country before age 15 but successfully graduate from high before age 15 but successfully graduate from high school and go on to complete at least 2 years of college school and go on to complete at least 2 years of college or military service. or military service.

As long as DREAMers maintain “good moral character” As long as DREAMers maintain “good moral character” and remain in school and/or the military they are eligible and remain in school and/or the military they are eligible for 6 years of Conditional Permanent Residencyfor 6 years of Conditional Permanent Residency

Did NOT include in-state tuitionDid NOT include in-state tuition

Rates of Naturalization By Rates of Naturalization By Countries of Origin, 1995-2008Countries of Origin, 1995-2008

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Europe Canada Asia Africa Lat Am Mexico

1995

2008

Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey Briefs, 2009

Example of Punitive Reform Example of Punitive Reform Sensenbrenner's HR 4437, The Border Protection,Sensenbrenner's HR 4437, The Border Protection,

Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, passed in House, 239-182 on Dec. 16, 20052005, passed in House, 239-182 on Dec. 16, 2005 Undocumented immigrants are felons  with mandatory Undocumented immigrants are felons  with mandatory

prison sentencesprison sentences Criminalizes organizations/individuals assisting Criminalizes organizations/individuals assisting

undocumented, punishable up to 5 years in prisonundocumented, punishable up to 5 years in prison Increases fines on employers who hire Increases fines on employers who hire

undocumented, from $250-$10,000 to $5,000-undocumented, from $250-$10,000 to $5,000-$25,000) and repeat offenders are subject to felony $25,000) and repeat offenders are subject to felony chargescharges

Grants state and local law enforcement agencies Grants state and local law enforcement agencies "inherent authority" to enforce immigration laws, no "inherent authority" to enforce immigration laws, no federal funding if they fail to enforce federal funding if they fail to enforce

Enhances border protection with a 700-mile double Enhances border protection with a 700-mile double fence along Mexican borderfence along Mexican border

Public Reaction to HR. 4437Public Reaction to HR. 4437

Hundreds of thousands of immigrants and Hundreds of thousands of immigrants and their supporters from LA to the DC Metro their supporters from LA to the DC Metro Mall, and dozens of cities in between, Mall, and dozens of cities in between, participated in protest demonstrations and participated in protest demonstrations and marchesmarches

Counter demonstrations were much fewer Counter demonstrations were much fewer and smaller but supporters of HR.4437 and smaller but supporters of HR.4437 flooded their Congress members’ with flooded their Congress members’ with letters, emails and phone calls letters, emails and phone calls

Immigrant Flow in 2009Immigrant Flow in 2009

TOTAL Immigrant Actions: TOTAL Immigrant Actions: 3,557,648 3,557,648 Legal Permanent ResidentsLegal Permanent Residents 1,130,813 (31.8%) 1,130,813 (31.8%) RefugeesRefugees 74,602 (2.1%) 74,602 (2.1%) AsyleesAsylees 22,119 (.6%) 22,119 (.6%) NaturalizationsNaturalizations 743,715 (20.9%) 743,715 (20.9%) Unauthorized Residents located 613,003 (17.2%)Unauthorized Residents located 613,003 (17.2%) Unauthorized Residents deported 973,396 (27.3%) Unauthorized Residents deported 973,396 (27.3%)

Non-Immigrant Admissions: 162,600,000Non-Immigrant Admissions: 162,600,000

Source: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Immigration Statistics,Policy Directorate, 2009 Yearbook of Immigration Statistics