One way or another, immigration has been a centerpiece of the current GOP presidential primary race. Donald Trump wants to build a wall at the Mexican border and keep all Muslims from entering the country. Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio want to augment boarder security and refuse refugees. To listen to these candidates is to believe that illegal immigration in the U.S. is wildly, dangerously out of control—but, according to a new report from the Journal on Migration and Human Security, the opposite may actually be true.
As AJC.com reports, the new study from the Journal on Migration and Human Security shows that the number undocumented residents in the U.S. has declined dramatically in recent years. In fact, since 2008, it is estimated that the numbers have fallen by more than a million: from 12 million to 10.9 million.
Other major findings in the study include:
- The total U.S. Mexican-born illegal population is about 600,000 smaller in 2014 than it was in 2010.
- California's Mexican-born illegal population fell by about 250,000 between 2010 and 2014.
- Restrictive immigration laws had little to no impact these populations in most states that have implemented them.
"Increase in Legal Status"
While there is no single, concrete answer as to why the undocumented population in the U.S. has fallen, heightened boarder securities and new paths towards legal residency are likely big factors. Donald Kerwin, the executive director of the Center for Migration Studies of New York, believes that the findings should be recognized and carefully considered by both sides of the political aisle.
"Despite the claims of an ever-rising, out-of-control U.S. undocumented population," he told AJC.com. "The number of undocumented has fallen each year since 2008. In addition, the number and percentage of foreign-born persons with legal status has increased. These trends should be applauded by partisans on all sides of the immigration debate."
If you or your family are facing a pressing immigration matter, then we at Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP invite you to contact us today. Attorney Foret Dees is the founder and chair of the Louisiana State Bar Association Immigration Law Section and is passionate about assisting individuals, couples, families, and companies facing immigration law issues. Our firm has helped thousands of these clients navigate their immigration cases and place secure, legal statuses within reach.
Want to learn more about how we can assist you? Contact us today to speak with our skilled Lake Charles immigration attorney. Se Habla Español.