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OCTOBER 2010
GIVING FACTSA FIGHTING
CHANCEANSWERS TO
THE TOUGHEST
IMMIGRATION
QUESTIONS
IMMIGRATIONPOLICYCENTER
A M E R I C A N I M M I G R A T I O N C O U N C I L
A GUIDE
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GIVINGFACTSAFIGHTINGCHANCE
ANSWERSTOTHETOUGHESTIMMIGRATIONQUESTIONS
IMMIGRATIONPOLICYCENTER
OCTOBER2010
ABOUTTHEIMMIGRATIONPOLICYCENTERTheImmigrationPolicyCenter,establishedin2003, isthepolicyarmoftheAmericanImmigrationCouncil.
IPC's mission is to shape a national conversation on immigration and immigrant integration. Through its
research and analysis, IPC provides policymakers, the media, and the general public with accurate
informationabouttheroleofimmigrantsandimmigrationpolicyonU.S.society.IPCreportsandmaterials
arewidelydisseminatedandrelieduponbypressandpolicymakers.IPCstaffregularlyservesasexpertsto
leaders on Capitol Hill, opinionmakers, and the media. IPC is a nonpartisan organization that neither
supports nor opposes any political party or candidate for office. Visit our website at
www.immigrationpolicy.organdourblogatwww.immigrationimpact.com.
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0013sB3H4Ngeb8u23v8DTLYuHff5o3A9Y7fC7wsO-myYRJX8RIQtjCJU2lT5w5MoDBNruFtlQCCVis4BypKz358QSnkHIGy4kZ3WjQGc9mhqFGdO-75dEFf5V4SGNJr23Hf&id=preview&id=previewhttp://www.immigrationimpact.com/http://www.immigrationimpact.com/http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0013sB3H4Ngeb8u23v8DTLYuHff5o3A9Y7fC7wsO-myYRJX8RIQtjCJU2lT5w5MoDBNruFtlQCCVis4BypKz358QSnkHIGy4kZ3WjQGc9mhqFGdO-75dEFf5V4SGNJr23Hf&id=preview&id=preview8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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TABLEOFCONTENTS
WHYWENEEDCOMPREHENSIVEIMMIGRATIONREFORM..................................................................1
ImmigrationReform
and
the
Current
Economy........................................................................3
ImmigrationEnforcement .........................................................................................................5
WorksiteEnforcementandEVerify..........................................................................................6
ImmigrantsandPublicBenefits.................................................................................................8
UnauthorizedImmigrantsandTaxes.........................................................................................9
ImmigrantsandCrime .............................................................................................................10
LocalPoliceandImmigrationEnforcement.............................................................................11
BirthrightCitizenship ...............................................................................................................12
StateLevelImmigrationLegislation ........................................................................................13
WhyDont
Unauthorized
Immigrants
Just
Come
Legally? ......................................................15
ImmigrantIntegration .............................................................................................................16
ImmigrationandtheEnvironment ..........................................................................................17
SURVIVINGIMMIGRATIONINTERROGATIONS....................................................................................18
SolvingUnauthorizedImmigration......................................................................................... 18
BorderControl ........................................................................................................................ 18
ImmigrantsandtheEconomy................................................................................................. 19
Immigrants
and
Taxes............................................................................................................. 19
BirthrightCitizenship .............................................................................................................. 19
StateLevelImmigrationLegislation ....................................................................................... 20
ImmigrantsandCrime ............................................................................................................ 20
ImmigrantsandIntegration.................................................................................................... 20
ImmigrantsandWelfare......................................................................................................... 21
ImmigrantsandtheEnvironment........................................................................................... 21
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1
WHYWENEEDCOMPREHENSIVEIMMIGRATIONREFORM
Americans arejustifiably frustrated and angry with our outdated and broken immigration system. The
problemiscomplex,andacomprehensive,nationalsolutionisnecessary. Politicianswhosuggestthatthe
U.S.candeportitswayoutoftheproblembyremoving11millionpeopleareunrealistic. TheU.S.needsa
fair,practicalsolutionthataddressestheunderlyingcausesofunauthorizedimmigrationandcreatesanew,
nationallegal
immigration
system
for
the
21st
century.
Immigrationreformmustberational,practical,andtough: It isunacceptabletohave11millionpeopleinourcountrylivingoutsidethelegalsystem. Toenhanceoursecurity,wemusthavesmart
borderandinteriorenforcement,targettherealcausesofviolencealongtheborder,andprosecute
thosewhoexploitimmigrantlaborandthosewhoprofitfromsmuggling. Additionally,unauthorized
immigrants should be required to come forward to legalize their status, pay back taxes, learn
English, and pass criminal background checks. Finally, we must create sufficient legal channels to
supportthelevelofimmigrationourcountryneedsinthefuture.
Effortssimplytodeportareoftenpoliticalgames,notseriouspolicyproposals: Overthepasttwodecade,tensofbillionsofdollarshavebeenspentonimmigrationenforcement. Theannualbudget
ofthe
U.S.
Border
Patrol
has
increased
nine
fold
and
the
number
of
Border
Patrol
agents
stationed
along the southwest border has increased nearly fivefold since Fiscal Year (FY) 1992, yet the
unauthorizedpopulationhastripledinsize. Billionsintaxpayerdollarsarewastedeveryyearwhen
weattempttospendourwayoutoftheproblemratherthansolveit.
THEPUBLICWANTSSOLUTIONS
AmajorityofAmericansfavorrealisticreformoverunachievablerhetoric:Pollsconsistently findthatAmericanssupportatoughbutcomprehensivesolution forthoseherewithoutauthorization
over an enforcementonly immigration policy. According to polls of likely 2010 general election
votersconductedforAmericasVoicebyLakeResearchPartnersandBenensonStrategyGroup,66%
ofall
voters
and
74%
of
Latino
voters
supported
comprehensive
immigration
reform
as
opposed
to
enforcementonlymeasures.This included62%ofRepublicans,67%of Independents,and69%of
Democrats. Finally, 67% of all likely voters believed that unauthorized immigrants should be
requiredtoregister,meetcertainconditions,andeventuallyallowedtoapplyforcitizenship,rather
thanleavingthecountryorbeingallowedtostayonlytemporarily.
Thepublicseescomprehensive immigrationreformasconsistentwith,notworkingagainst,ournationseconomicrecovery: Nationwide,67%ofvoterssaidWewouldbebetteroffifpeoplewho
are intheUnitedStates illegallybecame legaltaxpayerssotheypaytheirfairshare,vs.28%who
saidWewouldbebetteroffifpeoplewhoareintheUnitedStatesillegallyleftthecountrybecause
theyaretakingawayjobsthatAmericansneed.
Thebestwaytosolvetheproblemistofacereality: MostunauthorizedimmigrantsareintegratedmembersofU.S.familiesandcommunities. Nationwide,unauthorizedimmigrantscomprise5.1%of
theworkforce,andinstateslikeArizona,theunauthorizedshareoftheworkforceisevenhigher. In
certainsectors, likeagricultureandconstruction,unauthorizedworkerscompriseupto25%ofthe
workforce. Nationwide, there are approximately 4 million U.S.citizen children with at least one
unauthorized parent, and policies that target their parents have grave effects on the children.
Approximately53%ofunauthorizedimmigrantshavebeenintheU.S.tenyearsormore. Thevast
majorityofunauthorizedimmigrantsaresimplyheretowork. Unauthorizedimmigrantswhowork,
http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://amvoice.3cdn.net/56a19baae3cb88385d_tsm6va6cl.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/125.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/125.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/125.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/125.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/125.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/125.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/125.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/125.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/125.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/125.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://amvoice.3cdn.net/56a19baae3cb88385d_tsm6va6cl.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdf8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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paytaxes,donotcommitcrimes,andwanttobeAmericansshouldberequiredtocome forward
andregisterforlegalstatus.
THESOLUTIONIS:
First and foremost, the United States needs a legal immigration system that enhances oursecurity,
strengthens
our
economy,
and
supports
our
communities:
The
most
practical
and
realisticwaytoreduceunauthorizedimmigrationdramaticallyistobringU.S.immigrationpolicyin
line with economic and social realities. Lawmakers should devise immigration policies that are
responsive to labordemandsandensure fairwagesand goodworkingconditions forallworkers,
bothnativebornandforeignborn,andwhichrequireunauthorizedimmigrantsalreadylivinginthe
UnitedStatestoapplyfor legalstatus. Lawmakersmustalsobuildamoreflexibleandresponsive
system for temporary and permanent employmentbased immigration that can adapt quickly to
changingeconomictimes,supportsinnovationandentrepreneurship,andallowsthosewhowantto
contributetheirskillsandtalentstothiscountryanopportunitytodoso. Finally,lawmakersshould
address the delays and restrictions that impose unreasonably long waiting times on hardworking
familiesseekingtojoincloserelativesintheU.S.
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4
IMMIGRANTSHELPDRIVETHEECONOMY
TheU.S. economywill eventually improve, and immigrationhelps to expand the economy: A2007 report from the White House Council of Economic Advisers concluded that immigration
increasesGDPbyroughly$37billioneachyearbecause immigrants increase thesizeof thetotal
laborforce,complementthenativebornworkforce intermsofskillsandeducation,andstimulate
capitalinvestmentbyaddingworkerstothelaborpool.
Immigrationraiseswages formostAmericans: A2010report fromtheEconomicPolicy Institute(EPI)foundthattheeffectof immigrationfrom1994to2007wastoraisethewagesofU.S.born
workers, relative to foreignborn workers, by 0.4% (or $3.68 per week). Even the small (and
shrinking)numberofU.S.bornworkerswithlessthanahighschooleducationsawarelative0.3%
increaseinwages(or$1.58perweek)asaresultofimmigrationduringthisperiod.
Thepurchasingpowerof immigrant communities isenormousandgrowing: According to theSelig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia, the purchasing power of Latinos
totaled$978.4billionin2009andisprojectedtoreach$1.3trillionby2014. Thepurchasingpower
of
Asians
totaled
$508.6
billion
in
2009
and
is
projected
to
reach
$696.5
billion
by
2014.
The entrepreneurship of immigrant communities employsmillions of people: The U.S. CensusBureau estimates that in 2002, 1.6 million Hispanicowned firms provided jobs to 1.5 million
employees,hadreceiptsof$222billion,andgeneratedpayrollof$36.7billion. Thesameyear,1.1
million Asianowned firms providedjobs to 2.2 million employees, had receipts of $326.4 billion,
andgeneratedpayrollof$56billion.
http://207.245.165.145/cea/cea_immigration_062007.htmlhttp://207.245.165.145/cea/cea_immigration_062007.htmlhttp://207.245.165.145/cea/cea_immigration_062007.htmlhttp://epi.3cdn.net/7de74ee0cd834d87d4_a3m6ba9j0.pdfhttp://epi.3cdn.net/7de74ee0cd834d87d4_a3m6ba9j0.pdfhttp://epi.3cdn.net/7de74ee0cd834d87d4_a3m6ba9j0.pdfhttp://www.terry.uga.edu/selig/docs/GBEC0903q.pdfhttp://www.terry.uga.edu/selig/docs/GBEC0903q.pdfhttp://www.terry.uga.edu/selig/docs/GBEC0903q.pdfhttp://www.terry.uga.edu/selig/docs/GBEC0903q.pdfhttp://www.terry.uga.edu/selig/docs/GBEC0903q.pdfhttp://www.terry.uga.edu/selig/docs/GBEC0903q.pdfhttp://www.terry.uga.edu/selig/docs/GBEC0903q.pdfhttp://www.terry.uga.edu/selig/docs/GBEC0903q.pdfhttp://www.terry.uga.edu/selig/docs/GBEC0903q.pdfhttp://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/sb0200cshisp.pdfhttp://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/sb0200cshisp.pdfhttp://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/sb0200cshisp.pdfhttp://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/sb0200cshisp.pdfhttp://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/sb0200cshisp.pdfhttp://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/sb0200csasian.pdfhttp://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/sb0200csasian.pdfhttp://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/sb0200csasian.pdfhttp://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/sb0200csasian.pdfhttp://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/sb0200csasian.pdfhttp://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/sb0200csasian.pdfhttp://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/sb0200cshisp.pdfhttp://www.terry.uga.edu/selig/docs/GBEC0903q.pdfhttp://epi.3cdn.net/7de74ee0cd834d87d4_a3m6ba9j0.pdfhttp://207.245.165.145/cea/cea_immigration_062007.html8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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IMMIGRATIONENFORCEMENT
For more than two decades, the U.S. government has tried without success to stamp out unauthorized
immigration through enforcement efforts at the border and in the interior of the country, without
fundamentally reforming the broken immigration system that spurs unauthorized immigration in the first
place. While billions upon billions of dollars have been poured into enforcement, the number of
unauthorizedimmigrants
in
the
United
States
has
increased
dramatically.
Enforcement
alone
will
not
solve
ourimmigrationproblems.
ENFORCEMENTALONEWILLNOTSOLVEOURIMMIGRATONPROBLEMS
Taxpayerdollarsarebeingmisused toacttough: TheannualbudgetoftheU.S.BorderPatrolstood at $3 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2010a ninefold increase since FY 1992. The number of
Border Patrol agents stationed along the southwest border grew to 17,000 in FY 2010a nearly
fivefoldincreasesinceFY1992.
Wecantdeportourwayoutofthisproblem: ForyearstheU.S.governmenthasattemptedtouseemployer
sanctions,
border
walls,
worksite
raids,
and
other
deportation
only
measures
to
stop
unauthorizedimmigration,buttheunauthorizedpopulationoftheUnitedStateshastripledinsize,
fromroughly3.5millionin1990to11.1millionin2009.
Its not enforcementits the economy: Some are saying that increases in immigrationenforcementareworkingbecausetheunauthorizedpopulationoftheU.S.hasrecentlydeclinedin
size. However,mostresearchersagreethatunauthorizedimmigrationtotheUnitedStatesisdriven
largelybyeconomics. AccordingtoaJune2008reportbyWayneCornelius,DirectoroftheCenter
for Comparative Immigration Studies at the University of CaliforniaSan Diego, undocumented
migrationclearly responds tochangingU.S.economicconditions,withsteep increases inthe flow
towardtheendofexpansionphasesofthebusinesscycleandsignificantdecreasesduringeconomic
downturns. Moreover,thepatternofundocumentedmigrantsrespondingtoeconomicconditions
ratherthan
policy
decisions
has
continued
during
the
border
enforcement
build
up
that
began
in
1993.
Americaneedsleaderstobalancegoodimmigrationpolicywithenforcementpriorities: Themostpractical and realistic way to reduce unauthorized immigration dramatically is to bring U.S.
immigration policy in line with economic and social realities. Such a policy must include the
following elements: a realistic legal immigration framework that protects U.S. workers while
providing needed labor to American businesses; controlled but reasonable limits on family
immigrationwhichencourageunificationof familiesandstablecommunities;andatoughbut fair
legalizationprogramforthoseherewithoutauthorization. Theundergirdingofsuchanimmigration
regimen is enforcement at the border and the workplace which is targeted at wrongdoers and
genuinethreats,
rather
than
those
merely
seeking
abetter
life.
http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/FewerJobOpeningsFewerImmigrants10-01-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/FewerJobOpeningsFewerImmigrants10-01-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/FewerJobOpeningsFewerImmigrants10-01-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/FewerJobOpeningsFewerImmigrants10-01-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/FewerJobOpeningsFewerImmigrants10-01-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CCISbriefing061008.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CCISbriefing061008.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CCISbriefing061008.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CCISbriefing061008.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CCISbriefing061008.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CCISbriefing061008.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/FewerJobOpeningsFewerImmigrants10-01-08.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Enforcement_During_Recession_090910.pdf8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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WORKSITEENFORCEMENTANDEVERIFY
UnauthorizedimmigrantsprimarilycometotheU.S.towork,andaccordingtothePewHispanicCenter
approximately 5.1% of the American labor force is unauthorized. Enforcing the law at the workplace is
important because it protects vulnerable workers from exploitation, and protects U.S. workers and law
abidingemployersfromunscrupulousemployerswhohireunauthorizedworkers. Employersmustbeheld
accountablefor
employment
and
labor
law
violations.
OneenforcementmeasurethathasbeenexpandingisEVerify:alargelyvoluntaryelectronicemployment
verificationsystemthroughwhichanemployerverifiestheworkauthorizationofallemployeesevenU.S.
citizensusing the databases of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security
Administration (SSA). Currently, approximately216,000 employers of the over 7.4 million in the U.S. are
signeduptouseEVerify. MakingEVerifymandatorywouldrequirerunning60millionnewhiresthrough
thesystemperyear,wherejustover13millionwereprocessed inFiscalYear(FY)2010. Moreover,there
arestillsomeseriousproblemswithEVerifythatmustbeaddressed. ThedatabasesuponwhichEVerify
relies contain errors which could result in U.S. citizens and lawful immigrants being incorrectly denied
permissiontowork.Therearealsoconcernsregardingpotentialmisuseoftheprogrambyemployers.
Evenan
improved
EVerify
is
not,
by
itself,
amagic
bullet
and
will
not
fix
the
broken
immigration
system.
SimplyexpandingEVerifywillnotresolvetheunderlyingproblemswithour immigrationsystem,andcan
have a negative impact on U.S. workers. EVerify is part of a comprehensive solution that also includes
improvedenforcementofemploymentand labor laws, legalizationofthecurrentunauthorizedworkforce,
andcreationofsufficientlegalchannelsforfutureimmigrationsothatneededworkerscancometotheU.S.
legally.
EVERIFYALONEISNOTTHESOLUTION
Weneedpracticalandsensiblesolutions: WecannotexpecttouseraidsoremployerauditsorEVerify to deport 11 million people, and we cannot deny employers the workers they need until
therearelegalchannelstobringthemtotheU.S. Weneedanewimmigrantworkerprogramthat
provides visas for workers who can fill U.S. labor needs, while protecting U.S. workers and
businesses from the unscrupulous employers who exploit vulnerable immigrant labor at the
expenseofU.S.workers.
Enforcementmustincludeemploymentlawenforcement. Comprehensivereformmustrecognizethat strong employment protections for all workers reduces the incentive for unscrupulous
employers to hire and mistreat unauthorized workers, thereby improving wages and working
conditionsforallworkers.
Despite improvements, even the government has trouble making Everify work: The SSAestimates that 17.8 million of its records contain discrepancies related to name, date of birth, or
citizenshipstatus,
with
12.7
million
of
those
problem
records
pertaining
to
U.S.
citizens.
This
implies
thatasmanyas1 in25newhirescouldbeerroneouslyflaggedasineligibletowork. Theseerrors
mean that thousands of U.S. citizens could be denied work because of government errors. Even
thoughthegovernmenthasreducedthepossibilityoferrorbycleaningupdatabases,anykindof
immediate, mandatory program is likely to overwhelm the system, resulting in problems for
employers and workers. Any expansion of the program must go hand in hand with protections
ensuringthatemployeescancorrectandchallengeinaccuratedecisions.
http://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/EEVSbythenumbers04-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/EEVSbythenumbers04-08.pdfhttp://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/126.pdf8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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Eventhegovernmentmisusesthesystem: AccordingtoaJanuary2010reportreleasedbytheSSAInspector General, the agency failed to use EVerify on 19 percent of its new hires. SSA also
improperlyrancheckson169volunteersand individualswhohadnotyetbeenhiredandviolated
program ruleswithrespecttothe timingof itsverifications49percentofthetime. The factthat
one of the two agencies responsible for administering the EVerify program misused it in direct
violationofthe lawdoesnotbodewellforexpandingtheprogramormaking itmandatory forall
employers.
Proposalsthat toutmandatoryEVerifyasasilverbulletwouldbeprohibitivelyexpensive: TheCongressionalBudgetOffice(CBO)foundthattheSAVEAct,whichwouldmakeEVerifymandatory,
woulddecreasefederalrevenuesby$17.3billionfrom2009to2018because itwouldresult inan
increase in the number of people working in the underground cash economy, outside the tax
system. Atthesametime, itwould increasespendingbyover$23billion,resulting inawhopping
pricetagofover$40billionoverthenext10years. CBOalsoestimatedthatSAVEwouldcostU.S.
employers over $136 million to comply in at least one of the first five years its mandates are in
effect.
The impact of amandatory program,without safeguards, could harm Social Security benefits:Scores
of
organizations,
including
the
American
Association
of
Retired
Persons
(AARP),
have
serious
concernsaboutoverloadingtheSocialSecurityAdministrationwithnewmandates. IfEVerifywere
suddenlymandatory,SSAwouldseeanestimated3.6millionextravisitsorcallstoSSAfieldoffices
byAmericanstryingtofixerrorsintheirrecordssotheycanwork. WithAmericansalreadywaiting
up to 500 days for a disability claim decision from SSA, and 78 million Baby Boomers soon to be
eligible for retirement benefits, the SSA cant become a required stop for millions of frustrated
Americansunabletoworkbecauseofgovernmentdatabaseerrors.
http://www.ssa.gov/oig/ADOBEPDF/A-03-09-29154.pdfhttp://www.ssa.gov/oig/ADOBEPDF/A-03-09-29154.pdfhttp://www.ssa.gov/oig/ADOBEPDF/A-03-09-29154.pdfhttp://www.ssa.gov/oig/ADOBEPDF/A-03-09-29154.pdfhttp://www.ssa.gov/oig/ADOBEPDF/A-03-09-29154.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CBOandSAVE04-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CBOandSAVE04-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CBOandSAVE04-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CBOandSAVE04-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CBOandSAVE04-08.pdfhttp://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/MaraMayor.pdfhttp://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/MaraMayor.pdfhttp://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/MaraMayor.pdfhttp://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/MaraMayor.pdfhttp://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/MaraMayor.pdfhttp://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/MaraMayor.pdfhttp://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/MaraMayor.pdfhttp://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/MaraMayor.pdfhttp://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/MaraMayor.pdfhttp://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/MaraMayor.pdfhttp://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/MaraMayor.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/SSANotReadyforPrimeTime03-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/SSANotReadyforPrimeTime03-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/SSANotReadyforPrimeTime03-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/SSANotReadyforPrimeTime03-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/SSANotReadyforPrimeTime03-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/SSANotReadyforPrimeTime03-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/SSANotReadyforPrimeTime03-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/SSANotReadyforPrimeTime03-08.pdfhttp://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/MaraMayor.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CBOandSAVE04-08.pdfhttp://www.ssa.gov/oig/ADOBEPDF/A-03-09-29154.pdf8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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8
IMMIGRANTSANDPUBLICBENEFITS
Many Americans fear that immigrants disproportionately use welfare programs or public benefits. Some
believe that immigrants are eligible for special benefits that Americans cannot receive. The fact is that
unauthorizedimmigrantsarenoteligibleformostpublicbenefitsanddonotusethemsurreptitiously. Legal
immigrants are also restricted from receiving many benefits. Immigrants pay taxes to fund welfare
programs,but
are
not
eligible
to
reap
the
benefits
of
many
of
them.
UNAUTHORIZEDIMMIGRANTSARENTELIGIBLEFORPUBLIC BENEFITS
Unauthorized immigrants are not eligible for federal public benefits: This includes incomesupplementse.g.,SocialSecurity,SupplementalSecurity Income (SSI),andTemporaryAssistance
forNeedyFamilies(TANF),healthcare(MedicaidandMedicare),andfoodstamps.
Legal immigrants face tough restrictionsonaccessingpublicbenefits: Federal law also imposesharshrestrictionson legal immigrantseligibilityforpublicbenefits. Mostdocumentedimmigrants
cannotreceivefederalMedicaid,TANF,foodstamps,orSSIduringtheirfirstfiveyearsorlonger in
theU.S.,
regardless
of
how
much
they
have
worked
or
paid
in
taxes.
Immigrantsuse lesshealthcare,onaverage,thanU.S.citizens: Lowincome immigrantsare lesslikelytoreceivepublicbenefitsthanareU.S.citizens. ImmigrantsdonotcometotheU.S.toreceive
public benefits, and once they are here, they do not disproportionately use public benefits.
According to a study in the American Journal of Public Health, immigrants do not impose a
disproportionatefinancialburdenontheU.S.healthcaresystem. Thepercapitatotalhealthcare
expenditures of immigrants are less than half those of U.S.born persons, and immigrants are
significantlylesslikelytousetheemergencyroomthanarecitizens. Furtherrestrictingimmigrants
accesstobenefits isnotasolutiontoour immigrationproblems. In fact,themorepeoplepaying
into a healthcare system, especially healthier workingage people, the more the costs are spread
out.
BUTTHEYPAYANYWAY
Immigrants pay taxes into the system that funds public services: Even the majority ofunauthorized immigrantspay federal and state income taxes,Social Security taxes, and Medicare
taxes. And all immigrants pay sales taxes and property taxes. Many studies have found that
immigrants pay more in taxes than they receive in benefits. The National Research Council
estimated in 1997 that the average immigrant pays nearly $1,800 more in taxes than he or she
costsinbenefits. Manystatelevelstudieshavealsofoundthatimmigrantscontributemoretothe
economythantheytakeout.
http://www.nilc.org/pubs/guideupdates/tbl1_ovrvw-fed-pgms-rev-2010-04-08.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/pubs/guideupdates/tbl1_ovrvw-fed-pgms-rev-2010-04-08.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/pubs/guideupdates/tbl1_ovrvw-fed-pgms-rev-2010-04-08.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/pubs/guideupdates/tbl1_ovrvw-fed-pgms-rev-2010-04-08.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/pubs/guideupdates/tbl1_ovrvw-fed-pgms-rev-2010-04-08.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/pubs/guideupdates/tbl1_ovrvw-fed-pgms-rev-2010-04-08.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/research/imms&publicservices_2006-9-12.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/research/imms&publicservices_2006-9-12.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/research/imms&publicservices_2006-9-12.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/research/imms&publicservices_2006-9-12.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/research/imms&publicservices_2006-9-12.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/research/imms&publicservices_2006-9-12.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/research/imms&publicservices_2006-9-12.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/research/imms&publicservices_2006-9-12.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/research/imms&publicservices_2006-9-12.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/research/imms&publicservices_2006-9-12.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/research/imms&publicservices_2006-9-12.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Including_Legal_Immigrants_in_Health_Care_Reform.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Including_Legal_Immigrants_in_Health_Care_Reform.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Including_Legal_Immigrants_in_Health_Care_Reform.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Including_Legal_Immigrants_in_Health_Care_Reform.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Including_Legal_Immigrants_in_Health_Care_Reform.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Including_Legal_Immigrants_in_Health_Care_Reform.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Including_Legal_Immigrants_in_Health_Care_Reform.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Including_Legal_Immigrants_in_Health_Care_Reform.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Including_Legal_Immigrants_in_Health_Care_Reform.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Including_Legal_Immigrants_in_Health_Care_Reform.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Including_Legal_Immigrants_in_Health_Care_Reform.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Including_Legal_Immigrants_in_Health_Care_Reform.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Including_Legal_Immigrants_in_Health_Care_Reform.pdfhttp://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=5779http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=5779http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=5779http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=5779http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=5779http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/State_and_Local_Study_Survey_041310_1.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/State_and_Local_Study_Survey_041310_1.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/State_and_Local_Study_Survey_041310_1.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/State_and_Local_Study_Survey_041310_1.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/State_and_Local_Study_Survey_041310_1.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/State_and_Local_Study_Survey_041310_1.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/State_and_Local_Study_Survey_041310_1.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/State_and_Local_Study_Survey_041310_1.pdfhttp://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=5779http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Including_Legal_Immigrants_in_Health_Care_Reform.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Including_Legal_Immigrants_in_Health_Care_Reform.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/health/costs-less-than-citz-2009-05-26.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immspbs/research/imms&publicservices_2006-9-12.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/pubs/guideupdates/tbl1_ovrvw-fed-pgms-rev-2010-04-08.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/pubs/guideupdates/tbl1_ovrvw-fed-pgms-rev-2010-04-08.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/pubs/guideupdates/tbl1_ovrvw-fed-pgms-rev-2010-04-08.pdf8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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9
UNAUTHORIZEDIMMIGRANTSANDTAXES
As the debate over unauthorized immigration continues to rage, some pundits and policymakers are
claimingthatunauthorized immigrantsdonotpaytaxesandrelyheavilyongovernmentbenefits. Neither
of theseclaims issupported by the facts. According to the Pew Hispanic Center,unauthorized men have
workforce participation rates that are higher than other workers, and all unauthorized immigrants are
ineligiblefor
most
government
services,
but
pay
taxes
as
workers,
consumers,
and
residents.
MANYPAYBUTDONTCOLLECT
Like the restofus,unauthorized immigrantspay taxes: Between onehalf to threequarters ofunauthorized immigrantspay federal and state income taxes,Social Security taxes, and Medicare
taxes. Allunauthorizedimmigrantspaysalestaxes(whentheybuyanythingatastore,forinstance)
andpropertytaxes(eveniftheyrenthousing).
Unauthorized immigrants pay into Social Security, but do not collect: The Social SecurityAdministration(SSA)hasconcludedthatunauthorizedimmigrantsaccountforamajorportionof
thebillions
of
dollars
paid
into
the
Social
Security
system
under
names
or
Social
Security
numbers
thatdontmatchSSArecords;paymentsfromwhichimmigrantscannotbenefitwhileunauthorized.
AsofOctober2005,thereportedearningsonwhichthesepaymentsarebasedwhicharetracked
throughtheSSAsEarningsSuspenseFile(ESF)totaled$520billion.
STATESTUDIESANALYZEUNAUTHORIZEDTAXCONTRIBUTIONS
TEXAS: A2006studybytheTexasStateComptrollerfoundthattheabsenceoftheestimated1.4millionundocumentedimmigrantsinTexasinfiscal2005wouldhavebeenalosstoourgrossstate
productof$17.7billion. Undocumentedimmigrantsproduced$1.58billioninstaterevenues,which
exceededthe$1.16billioninstateservicestheyreceived.
OREGON: A 2007 study by the Oregon Center for Public Policy estimated that unauthorizedimmigrantsinOregonpaystateincome,excise,andpropertytaxes,aswellasfederalSocialSecurity
andMedicaretaxes,whichtotalabout$134millionto$187millionannually. Inaddition,taxes
paid by Oregon employers on behalf of undocumented workers total about $97 million to $136
millionannually. Asthereportgoesontonote,unauthorizedworkersareineligiblefortheOregon
HealthPlan,foodstamps,andtemporarycashassistance.
IOWA: A2007reportfromtheIowaPolicyProjectconcludedthatundocumentedimmigrantspayanestimatedaggregateamountof$40millionto$62millioninstatetaxeseachyear. Moreover,
undocumentedimmigrantsworkingonthebooksandtheiremployersalsocontributeannuallyan
estimated$50millionto$77.8millioninfederalSocialSecurityandMedicaretaxesfromwhichthey
willnever
benefit.
Rather
than
draining
state
resources,
undocumented
immigrants
are
in
some
casessubsidizingservicesthatonlydocumentedresidentscanaccess.
http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Undocumented%20as%20Taxpayer%2011-29-07_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Undocumented%20as%20Taxpayer%2011-29-07_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Undocumented%20as%20Taxpayer%2011-29-07_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Undocumented%20as%20Taxpayer%2011-29-07_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Undocumented%20as%20Taxpayer%2011-29-07_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Undocumented%20as%20Taxpayer%2011-29-07_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Undocumented%20as%20Taxpayer%2011-29-07_0.pdfhttp://finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/031406testpo.pdfhttp://finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/031406testpo.pdfhttp://finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/031406testpo.pdfhttp://finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/031406testpo.pdfhttp://finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/031406testpo.pdfhttp://finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/031406testpo.pdfhttp://finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/031406testpo.pdfhttp://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/undocumented/undocumented.pdfhttp://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/undocumented/undocumented.pdfhttp://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/undocumented/undocumented.pdfhttp://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/undocumented/undocumented.pdfhttp://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/undocumented/undocumented.pdfhttp://www.ocpp.org/cgi-bin/display.cgi?page=issue070410immighttp://www.ocpp.org/cgi-bin/display.cgi?page=issue070410immighttp://www.ocpp.org/cgi-bin/display.cgi?page=issue070410immighttp://www.ocpp.org/cgi-bin/display.cgi?page=issue070410immighttp://www.ocpp.org/cgi-bin/display.cgi?page=issue070410immighttp://www.ocpp.org/cgi-bin/display.cgi?page=issue070410immighttp://www.ocpp.org/cgi-bin/display.cgi?page=issue070410immighttp://www.ocpp.org/cgi-bin/display.cgi?page=issue070410immighttp://www.ocpp.org/cgi-bin/display.cgi?page=issue070410immighttp://www.iowafiscal.org/2007docs/071025-undoc.pdfhttp://www.iowafiscal.org/2007docs/071025-undoc.pdfhttp://www.iowafiscal.org/2007docs/071025-undoc.pdfhttp://www.iowafiscal.org/2007docs/071025-undoc.pdfhttp://www.iowafiscal.org/2007docs/071025-undoc.pdfhttp://www.iowafiscal.org/2007docs/071025-undoc.pdfhttp://www.ocpp.org/cgi-bin/display.cgi?page=issue070410immighttp://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/undocumented/undocumented.pdfhttp://finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/031406testpo.pdfhttp://finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/031406testpo.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Undocumented%20as%20Taxpayer%2011-29-07_0.pdf8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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10
IMMIGRANTSANDCRIME
The persistent myth that immigrants are more prone to criminality than the nativeborn continues to
circulate viciously among politicians, commentators, and the public despite a centurys worth of contrary
evidence that immigrants are less likely than the nativeborn to be in prison, and that high rates of
immigrationarenotassociatedwithhighercrimerates.
IMMIGRANTSHAVELOWERCRIMERATESTHANTHENATIVEBORN
Immigrantsarefivetimes less likelytobe inprisonthanthenativeborn: A2007studybyUniversityof
CaliforniaIrvinesociologistRubnG.Rumbautfoundthatthe3.5% incarcerationratefornativebornmen
ages1839was fivetimeshigherthanthe0.7%rate for immigrantmen in2000. The lower incarceration
rates of immigrants compared to natives holds true especially for the Mexicans, Salvadorans, and
Guatemalanswhomakeupthebulkoftheundocumentedpopulation.
Unauthorized immigration is NOT associated with higher crime rates: Although the unauthorized
immigrantpopulationdoubled from1994to2005,theviolentcrimerate intheUnitedStatesdeclinedby
34.2%
and
the
property
crime
rate
fell
by
26.4%
during
the
same
period.
Border
cities
and
other
cities
with
largeimmigrantpopulationsalsoexperienceddecreasingcrimerates.
HIGHERIMMIGRATIONRATES=LOWERCRIMERATES
Crime is lowest in the stateswith themost immigrants: According to a 2008 report from theconservative Americas Majority Foundation, crime rates are lowest in states with the highest
immigration growth rates. From 1999 to 2006, the total crime rate declined 13.6% in the 19
highestimmigrationstates,comparedtoa7.1%declineintheother32states. In2006,the10high
influxstatesthosewiththemostdramatic,recentincreasesinimmigrationhadthelowestrates
ofviolentcrimeandtotalcrime.
o NewJersey: AnanalysisofdatafromtheNewJerseyDepartmentofCorrectionsandU.S.CensusBureaubyNewJerseysStarLedgerinApril2008foundthatU.S.citizensaretwice
as likelyto land inNewJerseysprisonsas legalandillegal immigrants. Infact,nonU.S.
citizensmake up 10% of the states overall population, butjust 5% of the inmates in
prison.
o California: Foreignborn adults in California have lower incarceration rates than theirnativeborncounterparts. AccordingtoaJune2008reportfromthePublicPolicyInstitute
of California, the incarceration rate for foreignborn adults is 297 per 100,000 in the
population, compared to 813 per 100,000 for U.S.born adults. The foreignborn, who
makeuproughly35%ofCaliforniasadultpopulation,constitute17%ofthestateprison
population,aproportion
that
has
remained
fairly
constant
since
1990.
The argument that unauthorized immigrants are criminals because they are illegal is highlymisleading. UnlawfulpresenceintheUnitedStates(suchasoverstayingavisa)isacivilviolation
ofimmigrationlaw,notacriminalviolation. EntryWithoutInspection(enteringtheUnitedStates
withoutauthorization)isamisdemeanor. Moreimportantly,neitheroftheseoffensesconstitutesa
threattopublicsafetyunlikecrimessuchasmurder,assault,androbbery,allofwhichimmigrants
aremuchlesslikelytocommitthannatives.
http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Imm%20Criminality%20%28IPC%29.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Imm%20Criminality%20%28IPC%29.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Imm%20Criminality%20%28IPC%29.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Crime%20Fact%20Check%2012-12-07.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Crime%20Fact%20Check%2012-12-07.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Crime%20Fact%20Check%2012-12-07.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Crime%20Fact%20Check%2012-12-07.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Crime%20Fact%20Check%2012-12-07.pdfhttp://www.amermaj.com/ImmigrationandWealth.pdfhttp://www.amermaj.com/ImmigrationandWealth.pdfhttp://www.amermaj.com/ImmigrationandWealth.pdfhttp://www.amermaj.com/ImmigrationandWealth.pdfhttp://www.amermaj.com/ImmigrationandWealth.pdfhttp://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/04/citizens_twice_as_likely_to_la.htmlhttp://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/04/citizens_twice_as_likely_to_la.htmlhttp://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/04/citizens_twice_as_likely_to_la.htmlhttp://www.ppic.org/content/pubs/jtf/JTF_ImmigrantsCrimeJTF.pdfhttp://www.ppic.org/content/pubs/jtf/JTF_ImmigrantsCrimeJTF.pdfhttp://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/04/citizens_twice_as_likely_to_la.htmlhttp://www.amermaj.com/ImmigrationandWealth.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Crime%20Fact%20Check%2012-12-07.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Imm%20Criminality%20%28IPC%29.pdf8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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11
LOCALPOLICEANDIMMIGRATIONENFORCEMENT
Recently there has been increased public attention on the role of state and local police agencies in
immigration enforcement. Currently,about 67 localitieshaveentered intomemoranda of understanding
(MOUs)withImmigrationandCustomsEnforcement(ICE)throughthe287(g)program. The287(g)program
referstothesectionoffederallawcreatedin1996thatestablishesaprogramforlocalpolicetobetrained
byICE
to
enforce
immigration
law.
Approximately
1,075
police
and
correctional
officers
had
been
trained
as
ofJanuary2010. Evenwhen localpoliceofficersarenotdeputizedtoperform immigrationenforcement,
ICEdoesworkthroughthecriminaljusticesystemtoidentifydeportablenoncitizensthroughprogramssuch
astheCriminalAlienProgram(CAP)andtheSecureCommunitiesprogram. Criticsarguethatthesepolicies
which involve localpolice in theenforcementof federal immigration law lead to increaseddiscrimination
and racialprofiling,stretch the limited resourcesof lawenforcement,anderoderather thanpromote
trustbetweenimmigrantcommunitiesandthepolice,thusendangeringpublicsafety.
LOCALCOPSDONTWANTTOBEIMMIGRATIONOFFICERS
There is strong and broadbased opposition to local police enforcement of immigration laws:Advocates
for
victims
of
domestic
abuse,
faith
based
organizations,
immigrant
rights
groups,
elected
officials,and lawenforcementofficialsallagreethatstateandlocalpoliceshouldnotbeenforcing
federalimmigrationlaws.
Whenpoliceenforceimmigrationlaws,orareperceivedtobeenforcingimmigrationlaws,publicsafety decreases: When police are turned into immigration agents, immigrants (legal and
unauthorized)whoarevictimsorwitnessesofcrimearefearfulofcooperatingwiththepolice. This
putsentirecommunitiesatrisk.
When police enforce immigration laws, other crimes go uninvestigated: The experience ofMaricopaCounty,Arizona,hasshownthatwhenpolicearehighlyinvestedinenforcingimmigration
laws,othercrimesdonotreceivetheattentiontheydeserve,andresponsetimestoemergency911
callsincrease.
Enforcingimmigrationlawiscostly: Thefederalgovernmentdoesnotcoverthecostsincurredbylocalitiesthatenforceimmigrationlaws. Afteronlythreemonths,MaricopaCountyhadadeficitof
over$1million. ThePrinceWilliamCounty,Virginia,jailspentnearly$800,000morethanexpected
toholdsuspectedunauthorizedimmigrants. Thismoneycouldbebetterspentonpublicsafety.
Whenlocalpoliceenforceimmigrationlawitislikelytoleadtoracialprofiling,discrimination,andcostly litigation: When local law enforcement gets involved in immigration enforcement,
particularlywithoutproper trainingandoversight,peopleareoften targetedonthebasisoftheir
accent or appearance. This can lead to serious violations of the civil rights of legal permanent
residents
and
even
U.S.
citizens.
http://www.ice.gov/pi/news/factsheets/section287_g.htmhttp://www.ice.gov/pi/news/factsheets/section287_g.htmhttp://www.ice.gov/pi/news/factsheets/section287_g.htmhttp://www.justicestrategies.org/sites/default/files/JS-Democracy-On-Ice-print.pdfhttp://www.justicestrategies.org/sites/default/files/JS-Democracy-On-Ice-print.pdfhttp://www.justicestrategies.org/sites/default/files/JS-Democracy-On-Ice-print.pdfhttp://www.justicestrategies.org/sites/default/files/JS-Democracy-On-Ice-print.pdfhttp://www.justicestrategies.org/sites/default/files/JS-Democracy-On-Ice-print.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immlawpolicy/LocalLaw/locallaw-limiting-tbl-2008-12-03.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immlawpolicy/LocalLaw/locallaw-limiting-tbl-2008-12-03.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immlawpolicy/LocalLaw/locallaw-limiting-tbl-2008-12-03.pdfhttp://www.houstontx.gov/police/pdfs/mcc_position.pdfhttp://www.houstontx.gov/police/pdfs/mcc_position.pdfhttp://www.houstontx.gov/police/pdfs/mcc_position.pdfhttp://www.houstontx.gov/police/pdfs/mcc_position.pdfhttp://www.houstontx.gov/police/pdfs/mcc_position.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CommunityPolicingPaper3-09.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CommunityPolicingPaper3-09.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CommunityPolicingPaper3-09.pdfhttp://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6878331.htmlhttp://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6878331.htmlhttp://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6878331.htmlhttp://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6878331.htmlhttp://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6878331.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/05/AR2008080503027.html?nav=emailpagehttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/05/AR2008080503027.html?nav=emailpagehttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/05/AR2008080503027.html?nav=emailpagehttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/05/AR2008080503027.html?nav=emailpagehttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/05/AR2008080503027.html?nav=emailpagehttp://www.nclr.org/images/uploads/publications/287gReportFinal.pdfhttp://www.nclr.org/images/uploads/publications/287gReportFinal.pdfhttp://www.nclr.org/images/uploads/publications/287gReportFinal.pdfhttp://www.nclr.org/images/uploads/publications/287gReportFinal.pdfhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/05/AR2008080503027.html?nav=emailpagehttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6878331.htmlhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/CommunityPolicingPaper3-09.pdfhttp://www.houstontx.gov/police/pdfs/mcc_position.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immlawpolicy/LocalLaw/locallaw-limiting-tbl-2008-12-03.pdfhttp://www.nilc.org/immlawpolicy/LocalLaw/locallaw-limiting-tbl-2008-12-03.pdfhttp://www.justicestrategies.org/sites/default/files/JS-Democracy-On-Ice-print.pdfhttp://www.ice.gov/pi/news/factsheets/section287_g.htm8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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12
BIRTHRIGHTCITIZENSHIP
Antiimmigrant groups and legislators have persisted in their attempts to restrict or repeal birthright
citizenshipinStateHousesandtheU.S.Congress. SeveralbillshavebeenintroducedthatwoulddenyU.S.
citizenship to children whose parents are in the U.S. without authorization or on temporary visas. The
Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitutionthe cornerstone of American civil rightsaffirms that, with
veryfew
exceptions,
all
persons
born
in
the
U.S.
are
U.S.
citizens,
regardless
of
the
immigration
status
of
their parents. Following the Civil War and the emancipation of the slaves, the Fourteenth Amendment
restated the longstanding principle of birthright citizenship, which had been temporarily erased by the
SupremeCourt's"DredScott"decisiondenyingbirthrightcitizenshiptotheU.S.bornchildrenofslaves. The
SupremeCourthasconsistentlyupheldbirthrightcitizenshipovertheyears.
ELIMINATINGBIRTHRIGHTCITIZENSHIPISUNCONSTITUTIONAL,IMPRACTICAL,EXPENSIVE,
COMPLICATED,ANDWOULDNOTSTOPUNAUTHORIZEDIMMIGRATION
EliminatingbirthrightcitizenshipwouldimposeasignificantburdenonallAmericans,whowouldnolongerhaveaneasyandinexpensivewaytoprovetheircitizenship. Ifsimplybeingborninthe
U.S.
and
having
a
U.S.
birth
certificate
were
not
proof
of
citizenship,
Americans
would
have
to
navigatecomplexlawstoprovetheircitizenship. Otherthanabirthcertificate,mostAmericansdo
nothavegovernmentdocumentsthatestablishU.S.citizenship.
AllAmericanparentsnotjustimmigrantswouldhavetoprovethecitizenshipoftheirchildrenthroughacumbersomeprocess. SomeAmericanswouldhavetoprovetheyderiveU.S.citizenship
through one or both of their parentsa process that can be difficult for even experienced
immigration attorneys. In some cases, whether ones parents were married or unmarried at the
timeofonesbirthmakesadifferenceindeterminingcitizenship. Moreover,thegenderoftheU.S.
citizenparentcanaffectthedetermination.
Eliminatingbirthrightcitizenshipwouldnotsolvetheproblemofunauthorizedimmigration. Sincechildren born to unauthorized immigrants would presumably be unauthorized, the size of the
unauthorizedpopulationwouldactuallyincreaseasaresultofthenewpolicy. Whilesomechildren
couldacquirethecitizenshipoftheirparents,otherswouldbeleftwithnocitizenshipornationality,
leavingthemstateless.
Eliminatingbirthrightcitizenshipisadistractionthatmovesusawayfromfixingtherealproblemswithourbrokenimmigrationsystem. ImmigrantscometotheU.S.towork,toreunitewiththeir
families, or to flee persecution. Denying birthright citizenship will not discourage unauthorized
immigrantsfromcomingtotheU.S.,anditwillnotencouragethosealreadyheretoleave.
http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Birthright%20Citizenship%20091509.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Birthright%20Citizenship%20091509.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Birthright%20Citizenship%20091509.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Ending_Birthright_Citizenship_061510_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Ending_Birthright_Citizenship_061510_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Ending_Birthright_Citizenship_061510_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Ending_Birthright_Citizenship_061510_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Ending_Birthright_Citizenship_061510_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Ending_Birthright_Citizenship_061510_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Ending_Birthright_Citizenship_061510_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Ending_Birthright_Citizenship_061510_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Ending_Birthright_Citizenship_061510_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Ending_Birthright_Citizenship_061510_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Birthright%20Citizenship%20091509.pdf8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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13
STATELEVELIMMIGRATIONLEGISLATION
In April 2010, Arizona governor Jan Brewer signed into law SB 1070,also known as the Support Our Law
Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Acta sweeping law with the intent of eliminating unauthorized
immigrationinthestatethroughstateandlocallawenforcementactions. However,afederaldistrictcourt
enjoinedseveralofthemostcontroversialpartsofthe law, includingtheprovisionthatexplicitlyrequired
state
and
local
lawenforcement
officials
to
inquire
about
immigration
status
during
any
lawful
stop,
detention,orarrest,aswellastheprovisionmaking itamisdemeanorto failtocarryproper immigration
documents. Despite criticism of the Arizona law from Republicans, Democrats, police officials, religious
leaders, and civil rights leaders, legislators in at least 23 statesArkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida,
Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New
Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah
haveintroducedorareconsideringintroducingsimilarlegislation.
SB1070TYPELAWSARENOTAREALSOLUTIONTOOURIMMIGRATIONPROBLEMS
ThejustificationforSB1070doesntholdwater. WhileproponentsofSB1070claimedthelawwasa
crimefighting
measure,
data
from
the
U.S.
Bureau
of
Justice
Statistics
show
that
unauthorized
immigration isnotassociatedwithhighercrimerates. Whilethere isrealviolencealongtheU.S.
Mexicoborder,SB1070doesnothingtoaddressit.
Thepolicehavealwayshadtheauthoritytoarrestimmigrantsforcrimestheycommit. Ifapoliceofficerseesanimmigrantcommitacrime(suchastheftormurder),orsuspectsthatanimmigrant
hascommittedacrime,thatpoliceofficercanarrestthatimmigrantforthatcrime. Thepolicealso
have the authority to arrest immigrants for criminal violations of immigration law, such as re
entering the U.S. after being deported. Furthermore, the police have always had the ability to
contactICEandinquireaboutanarresteesimmigrationstatus,andmanyprisonsandjailshavean
ICEpresence,sothatimmigrantscanbeidentifiedandplacedintoremovalproceedings. SB1070type lawswouldbeexpensive. In addition to the enormous costs of implementing the
legislation,theMayorofPhoenixestimatedthelossofconventionrevenuetoArizonaasaresultof
SB1070willbeat least$90millionover5yearsduetoboycotts. AstudyreleasedinJuly2008by
theUniversityofArizonasUdallCenterforStudiesinPublicPolicyconcludedthateconomicoutput
woulddropannuallybyatleast$29billion,or8.2percent,ifallnoncitizens,includingunauthorized
workers, were removed from Arizona's workforce. About 14 percent of the state's 2.6 million
workersareforeignborn,andabouttwothirdstothreefourthsofnoncitizensareunauthorized.
SB1070typelawscouldleavestateslesssafe. Ifpolicespendtheirtimedetainingandquestioningpeople they suspect of being unauthorized immigrants, it will detract from their ability to
investigateandsolvemoreseriouscrimes. InArizona,SheriffArpaiohasdivertedhisdepartments
resourcesto
immigration
enforcement,
and
response
times
to
911
calls
have
increased,
arrest
rates
havedropped,andthousandsoffelonywarrantshavenotbeenserved.
SB 1070like lawsjeopardize the federal governments ability to set priorities in immigrationenforcement. SB1070woulddivertscarcefederalresourcesawayfromfindingdangerouscriminals
throughouttheUnitedStates,focusing insteadondetaininganddeportingnonviolent immigrants
inonestate:Arizona
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5681/t/5800/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=463http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5681/t/5800/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=463http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5681/t/5800/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=463http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/12/us/12phoenix.htmlhttp://udallcenter.arizona.edu/immigration/publications/impactofimmigrants08.pdfhttp://udallcenter.arizona.edu/immigration/publications/impactofimmigrants08.pdfhttp://udallcenter.arizona.edu/immigration/publications/impactofimmigrants08.pdfhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://www.eastvalleytribune.com/article_ed8677e0-8999-5a12-8eb8-5f27d6cc0dff.htmlhttp://udallcenter.arizona.edu/immigration/publications/impactofimmigrants08.pdfhttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/12/us/12phoenix.htmlhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Arizona_Punishment_Doesnt_Fit_the_Crime_042810_0.pdfhttp://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5681/t/5800/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=4638/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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14
SB1070typelawscouldleadtoracialprofiling. Suchlawsopenthedoortointrusivequestioningforanyonewhenthereisasuspicionthattheindividualmaybeherewithoutauthorization. While
mostU.S.citizensdonotcarrytheirpassports, lackofsuchdocumentationcouldsubject themto
lengthyquestioning,andpossiblyarrestordetention, iftheycannotpersuadeanofficerthatthey
areintheU.S.legally. Inparticular,criticsfearthatpersonswhoareHispanicordarkskinned,who
have accents, or otherwise appear "different" are more likely to face racial profiling given the
demographicsof
unauthorized
immigration.
SB1070typelawswouldresultincostlylitigationforstates. Sofar,sevenlawsuitshavebeenfiledtostop implementationofSB1070 inArizona,andthecostsareyettobeseen. Otherstatesand
localities that passed antiimmigrant legislation and ordinancessuch as Fremont, Nebraska;
Farmers Branch, Texas; and Hazleton, Pennsylvaniahave been caught up in costly litigation to
defendtheirlaws.
Whilepeoplearegenuinelyfrustratedoverthefailureofthefederalgovernmenttofixourbrokenimmigrationsystem,creatingapatchworkofpotentiallyunconstitutionalandconfusing lawsisnot
ananswer. ArecentpollconductedbyPoliticoshowsthatpeopledontnecessarilywantstatesto
jump into the fray as much as they want solutions. While 23% of respondents supported states
takingaction,
61%
supported
passing
comprehensive
immigration
reform
through
Congress.
A
CNN
pollshowedthatwhile55%ofAmericansfavoredSB1070,anastounding81%supportedaplanthat
wouldlegalizeunauthorizedimmigrantsiftheyhadajobandpaidbacktaxes.
http://www.nclr.org/images/uploads/publications/287gReportFinal.pdfhttp://www.nclr.org/images/uploads/publications/287gReportFinal.pdfhttp://www.nclr.org/images/uploads/publications/287gReportFinal.pdfhttp://www.legalactioncenter.org/clearinghouse/litigation-issue-pages/arizona-legal-challengeshttp://www.legalactioncenter.org/clearinghouse/litigation-issue-pages/arizona-legal-challengeshttp://www.legalactioncenter.org/clearinghouse/litigation-issue-pages/arizona-legal-challengeshttp://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=6C306439-18FE-70B2-A82C7AE85F0EC954http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/07/27/rel10f1a.pdfhttp://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/07/27/rel10f1a.pdfhttp://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/07/27/rel10f1a.pdfhttp://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/07/27/rel10f1a.pdfhttp://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/07/27/rel10f1a.pdfhttp://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=6C306439-18FE-70B2-A82C7AE85F0EC954http://www.legalactioncenter.org/clearinghouse/litigation-issue-pages/arizona-legal-challengeshttp://www.nclr.org/images/uploads/publications/287gReportFinal.pdf8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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15
WHYDONTUNAUTHORIZEDIMMIGRANTSJUSTCOME
LEGALLY?
Many Americans wonder why unauthorized immigrants do not come to the U.S. legally or simply get in
lineforpermanentresidency(agreencard). Infact,thelegalimmigrationsystemisgrosslyoutofdate
andhas
not
kept
up
with
the
labor
demands
of
our
economy.
Our
immigration
laws
have
not
been
updated
in20years,andthereareonly limitedavenuesavailablefor legal immigration. Theoverlyrestrictive legal
limitsongreencardsmeanthatvirtuallyallunauthorizedimmigrantshavenoalternativeforlegalentryinto
theU.S.
THEREAREVERYFEWWAYSTOCOMETOTHEU.S.LEGALLY
Thereisnolineforthevastmajorityofunauthorizedimmigrants: Accusationsthatanestimated11.1millionunauthorizedimmigrantsabout5%oftheU.S.workforceshouldsimplygetinline
missthepoint: Thereisnolineandtheregularchannelsdonotincludethem.
Unauthorized
immigrants
would
rather
come
legally:
Many
Americans
think
that
unauthorized
immigrants want to be unauthorized. However, opinion surveys of unauthorized immigrants
indicatethat,ifgivenachoice,98%wouldratherliveandworklegallyintheU.S.andwoulddosoif
theycould. Butmostdonothavethenecessaryfamilyrelationshipstoapplyforlegalentry,donot
qualifyasrefugeesunlesstheycomefromahandfulofcountriesexperiencingpoliticalunrest,and
donotworkinprofessionsthatcurrentlyqualifyforagreencard.
Gettingagreencardiseasiersaidthandone: ThewaystocomelegallytotheU.S.arerestrictedtocertaincategoriesofpeople.
o The employmentbased immigration system is out of sync with Americas needs: Thenumber of green cards is limited to5,000peryear for theentireUnitedStates for less
skilledworkers
such
as
landscapers,
hotel
workers,
and
construction
workers.
This
grossly
insufficient number of green cards for workers in these types ofjobs is the crux of the
unauthorizedimmigrationproblemintheU.S.
o Family immigration is highly restricted: U.S. citizens and greencard holders who meetstrict eligibility requirements can petition to bring in certain eligible foreignborn family
members. However, therearenumerical limitsonmost familycategories,anddemand is
typicallyhigherthanthenumberofavailablegreencards. Thisresultsinsignificantbacklogs
for most family members hoping to enter the U.S. legally, with immigrants from some
countrieswaitingdecadesforentry.
o Refugees: Personswhocanproveawellfoundedfearofpersecutionmay,insomecases,be
granted
political
asylum
or
refugee
status.
However,
the
burden
of
proof
is
high
and
the
process is rigorous. An immigrant does not qualify as a refugee because of poverty or
difficulteconomicconditionsinhisorherhomecountry.
http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/WhyDontTheyGetInLine03-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/WhyDontTheyGetInLine03-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/WhyDontTheyGetInLine03-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/WhyDontTheyGetInLine03-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/WhyDontTheyGetInLine03-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/WhyDontTheyGetInLine03-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/WhyDontTheyGetInLine03-08.pdfhttp://www.immigrationforum.org/press/release-display/listening-to-the-voices-of-immigrants-in-the-immigration-debate/http://www.immigrationforum.org/press/release-display/listening-to-the-voices-of-immigrants-in-the-immigration-debate/http://www.immigrationforum.org/press/release-display/listening-to-the-voices-of-immigrants-in-the-immigration-debate/http://www.immigrationforum.org/press/release-display/listening-to-the-voices-of-immigrants-in-the-immigration-debate/http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/WhyDontTheyGetInLine03-08.pdf8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
19/24
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IMMIGRATIONANDTHEENVIRONMENT
Some commentators argue that immigration contributes to overpopulation in the U.S. and therefore
causes more pollution, greater consumption of scarce resources, and more damage to the environment.
This argument not only ignores the economic forces that drive immigration, but also misses the
fundamental point that overpopulation is not the cause of U.S. environmental woes. Solving our
environmentalproblems
isnt
as
simple
as
curbing
immigration
to
the
U.S.
Ultimately,
immigrants
are
not
the problemthe U.S. lifestyle, our systems of production and consumption, and the policies that shape
themare. Weneedreal,rationalsolutionsandleadershiponenvironmentalissues,notscapegoats.
IMMIGRATIONISNOTBADFORTHEENVIROMENT
Overpopulation is not what damages the U.S. environment: Levels of environmentaldestructionandresourceconsumptionarenotdirectlyrelatedtopopulationsize,evenincountries
suchastheU.S.andthoseoftheEuropeanUnion(EU)thathavesimilarstandardsofliving. Rather,
they are conditioned by a wide range of factors, such as the degree to which a society depends
upon polluting and nonrenewable fossil fuels; utilizes pollutionreduction technologies; develops
systems
of
mass
transit
to
minimize
individual
automobile
use;
uses
plastics
and
other
non
biodegradable materials in manufacturing and packaging consumer goods; recycles potentially
recyclablematerials;andcontrolsagriculturalrunoffintowaterways.
A fewpeople canpollutea lot,ora lotofpeople canpollutea little: According to the WorldResources Institute,theUnitedStates ishometo30%fewerpeoplethantheEuropeannationsof
theEU15,yetproduces40%moregreenhousegases(GHGs),suchascarbondioxideandmethane.
Infact,U.S.emissionsofGHGsonapercapitabasisaremorethandoublethoseoftheEU15. The
problem isnotthenumberofpeople intheU.S.;rather,theproblem isthewaytheU.S.produces
goodsandconsumesresources.
Blaming immigrants forclimate changesuggests that lessdeveloped countriesshould stay thatway:
According
to
those
who
blame
immigrants
for
our
environmental
woes,
immigrants
would
ultimatelyproducelessCO2iftheyjustremainedintheirlessindustrialized(andthereforelessCO2
emitting) home countries. Based on this logic, unauthorized immigration isnt the problem,
increasedwealthandinternationaldevelopmentare.
TheU.S. isnt a lifeboatwith limited resources thatwill sinkwith toomany people: When itcomestotheglobalwarmingcrisis,wellallsinkorswimtogether.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/angela-kelley/voodoo-science-blames-cli_b_118896.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/angela-kelley/voodoo-science-blames-cli_b_118896.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/angela-kelley/voodoo-science-blames-cli_b_118896.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/angela-kelley/voodoo-science-blames-cli_b_118896.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/angela-kelley/voodoo-science-blames-cli_b_118896.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/angela-kelley/voodoo-science-blames-cli_b_118896.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/angela-kelley/voodoo-science-blames-cli_b_118896.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/angela-kelley/voodoo-science-blames-cli_b_118896.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/angela-kelley/voodoo-science-blames-cli_b_118896.htmlhttp://www.climateark.org/blog/2007/10/american_lifestyle_is_the_prob.asphttp://www.climateark.org/blog/2007/10/american_lifestyle_is_the_prob.asphttp://cait.wri.org/http://cait.wri.org/http://cait.wri.org/http://cait.wri.org/http://cait.wri.org/http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/07/leadership.htmlhttp://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/07/leadership.htmlhttp://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/07/leadership.htmlhttp://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/07/leadership.htmlhttp://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/07/leadership.htmlhttp://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/07/leadership.htmlhttp://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/07/leadership.htmlhttp://www.scienceprogress.org/2008/07/climate-change-is-a-humanitarian-problem-with-health-consequences-for-all/http://www.scienceprogress.org/2008/07/climate-change-is-a-humanitarian-problem-with-health-consequences-for-all/http://www.scienceprogress.org/2008/07/climate-change-is-a-humanitarian-problem-with-health-consequences-for-all/http://www.scienceprogress.org/2008/07/climate-change-is-a-humanitarian-problem-with-health-consequences-for-all/http://www.scienceprogress.org/2008/07/climate-change-is-a-humanitarian-problem-with-health-consequences-for-all/http://www.scienceprogress.org/2008/07/climate-change-is-a-humanitarian-problem-with-health-consequences-for-all/http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/07/leadership.htmlhttp://cait.wri.org/http://cait.wri.org/http://www.climateark.org/blog/2007/10/american_lifestyle_is_the_prob.asphttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/angela-kelley/voodoo-science-blames-cli_b_118896.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/angela-kelley/voodoo-science-blames-cli_b_118896.html8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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SURVIVINGIMMIGRATIONINTERROGATIONS
QuickResponsestotheToughestQuestions
SOLVINGUNAUTHORIZEDIMMIGRATION:
Q: Whatareyougoingtodoaboutillegalimmigration?A: Immigrationreformmustbetough,practical,andsmart. Itisunacceptabletohave11million
people inourcountry livingoutsidethe legalsystem,andAmericansknowwecantdeport11
millionpeopletosolvetheproblem.
Americawinswhenwefacerealityandtakeactiononimmigration. Realisticsolutionsrequire
theU.S.todomorethansecuretheborder,crackdownonemployerswhooperateoutsidethe
law,andpursuesmugglerswhoprofitfromourbroken immigrationsystem.Wemustaddress
the underlying causes of unauthorized immigration. Moreover, reform wont work unless we
address the11million immigrants livinghere without legal status. Wemust require them to
come
forward
to
legalize
their
status,
pay
back
taxes,
learn
English,
and
pass
criminal
backgroundchecks.
America needs a legal immigration system that enhances our security, strengthens our
economy,andbenefitsour communities. We need a realistic, legal immigration framework
thatprotectsU.S.workerswhileprovidingneeded labor toAmericanbusinesses. Reasonable
limits on family immigration would encourage the unification of families and the building of
stablecommunities. Thefoundationforthiskindof immigrationsystem isstrongandsensible
enforcement that disentangles immigration from crime and national security threats, and
focuses enforcement efforts on weeding out the bad actors in the workplace and our
communities.
BORDERCONTROL:
Q: Howwillyoucontroltheborder?A: Securingourborderisvitalfornationalsecurity,butwecantdeportourwaytosafety. We
mustsupplyadequatemanpowerandgroundbreakingtechnologytosecuretheborder,butwe
cantbe lulled intothinkingthatenforcementalonewillcontrol theborder. Walls,raids,and
billions of dollars spent at the border arent stopping unauthorized immigration. The annual
budget of the U.S. Border Patrol has increased ninefold, and the number of Border Patrol
agentsstationedalongthesouthwestborderhasgrownnearly fivefold,sinceFiscalYear (FY)
1992. ButtheunauthorizedpopulationoftheUnitedStateshastripledinsize,fromroughly3.5
million
in
1990
to
11
million
today.
America
needs
leaders
who
will
move
beyond
the
deportationonlymentalityand implementrealsolutionstosecuretheborderandrestorethe
rule of law. Enacting comprehensive immigration reform and creating legal channels so that
immigrantsenteringourbordersdoso lawfullywillfreeuptheBorderPatroltofocusondrug
smuggling,human trafficking,andothercriminalactivity rather thanchasing busboys through
thedesert.
8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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IMMIGRANTSANDTHEECONOMY:
Q: Shouldwepassimmigrationreformwhilewereinaneconomicdownturn?A: In this economic downturn, many may argue that immigration reform is not a priority, but
reforming our broken immigration system is an important part of our economic recovery. A
recentstudybyDr.RaulHinojosaOjeda foundthatcomprehensive immigrationreformwhich
includesthe
legalization
of
unauthorized
immigrants
already
in
the
U.S.
would
yield
$1.5
trillion
totheU.S.GDPoveratenyearperiod,generatebillionsinadditionaltaxrevenueandconsumer
spending, and support hundreds of thousands of jobs. Currently, many unauthorized
immigrantsareworkingintheundergroundeconomy,andunscrupulousemployersareableto
exploit them and create unfair competition by violating labor laws and paying subminimal
wages. WeneedtomakesureeveryoneworkingintheU.S.isworkinglegally,andweneedto
enforce labor laws against employers who undercut U.S. workers and exploit unauthorized
immigrants. Leveling the playing field for both workers and employers will eliminate unfair
competition and improve the wages and working conditions of all workers. Putting all
immigrantworkersintheformaleconomywillincreasewages,taxrevenues,andconsumption.
IMMIGRANTSAND
TAXES:
Q: Isittruethatillegalimmigrantsdontpaytaxesanddrainoureconomy?A: As Ben Franklin said, Nothing is certain but death and taxes. Like the rest of us,
unauthorizedimmigrantspaytaxesontheirpropertyandanythingtheybuy. Morethanhalfof
them have taxes taken out of their paychecks, but because our immigration system is
dysfunctional, these taxes are paid under false Social Security numbers. We need a new
regimeninwhichweknowwhoispayingtaxesandcanensurethatnooneisgettingafreeride.
Theonlywaytodothatistopullunauthorizedimmigrantsoutoftheshadowsandgetthemon
therightsideofthelaw.
Threestate
level
studies
have
found
that
unauthorized
immigrants
pay
more
in
taxes
than
they
useinbenefits. InIowa,unauthorizedimmigrantspayanestimated$40to$62millioninstate
taxes,while theyand their employers contribute an additional $50million to$77.8million in
federal, Social Security, and Medicare taxes from which they will never benefit. InOregon,
unauthorized immigrantswho are not eligible for any state benefitspay between $134
millionand$187millionintaxeseachyear. Finally,inTexas,theStateComptrollerfoundthat,
withoutunauthorizedresidents,thegrossstateproduct in2005wouldhavebeen$17.7billion
less.
BIRTHRIGHTCITIZENSHIP:
Q:Wouldnteliminatingbirthrightcitizenshipresolveourimmigrationproblems?
A: Eliminating birthright citizenship would be unconstitutional, impractical, expensive,
complicated, andwould not stop unauthorized immigration. It would impose a significant
burdenonallAmericanswhowouldnolongerhaveaneasyandinexpensivewaytoprovetheir
citizenship. AllAmericanparentsnotjustimmigrantswouldhavetoprovethecitizenshipof
theirchildrenthroughacumbersomeprocess. Sincechildrenborntounauthorizedimmigrants
would presumably be unauthorized, the size of the unauthorized population would actually
increaseasaresultofthenewpolicy.
http://immigrationpolicy.org/special-reports/raising-floor-american-workershttp://immigrationpolicy.org/special-reports/raising-floor-american-workershttp://immigrationpolicy.org/special-reports/raising-floor-american-workershttp://immigrationpolicy.org/special-reports/raising-floor-american-workers8/8/2019 Giving Facts a Fighting Chance 100710
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STATELEVELIMMIGRATIONLEGISLATION:
Q: ShouldmystatepasslegislationsimilartoArizonasSB1070?
A: No. Such laws are not effective at resolving the problems with our broken immigration
system. Onlythefederalgovernmentcanreformourimmigrationlaws. LawslikeSB1070are
expensive, devoteprecious lawenforcement resources to questioning immigrants about their
status,anddivert lawenforcementresourcesawayfrom investigatingseriouscriminalactivity.SB 1070like lawscan also lead to racial profiling and discriminatory behavior. Police already
have the ability to arrest immigrants for any crimes they may commit, and they can already
cooperatewiththefederalgovernmenttoenforceimmigrationlaws.
While people are genuinely frustrated over the failure of the federal government to fix our
brokenimmigrationsystem,creatingapatchworkofpotentiallyunconstitutionalandconfusing
lawsisnotananswer. ArecentpollconductedbyPoliticoshowsthatpeopledontnecessarily
wantstatestojump intothe frayasmuchastheywantsolutions. While23%ofrespondents
supported states taking action, 61% supported passing comprehensive immigration reform
through Congress. A CNN poll showed that while 55% of Americans favored SB 1070, an
astounding81%
supported
aplan
that
would
legalize
unauthorized
immigrants
ifthey
had
ajob
andpaidbacktaxes.
IMMIGRANTSANDCRIME:
Q: Arentalotofimmigrantscriminals?A: Immigrants are less likely to be criminals than the nativeborn. Americans arejustifiably
concerned about crime in their neighborhoods, and immigration restrictionists are quick to
pointthespotlightatcasesinwhichimmigrantshavecommittedhorriblecrimes. Anyonewho
commitsacrimeshouldbepunished,butthereisampleevidencethatimmigrantsarelesslikely
than the nativeborn to be in prison, and high rates of immigration are not associated with
higherrates
of
crime.
In
fact,
the
incarceration
rate
for
native