Thread: Immigration report questioned

July 30, 2008
Immigration report questioned
A claim that stronger enforcement is responsible for a drop in the illegal population in the United States is drawing a skeptical reaction from some experts.

In a report issued Wednesday, the Center for Immigration Studies, an anti-illegal group, contends that its analysis of census figures shows the illegal population fell to 11.2 million in May after reaching a peak of 12.5 million in August 2007.

"The decline began before unemployment increased... so increased enforcement seems to have played a significant role in reducing the illegal population," said the report, which acknowledged that a weaker economy also played a role.

Critics of the report agree the illegal population may have fallen, but they insist the main driver is the economy.

"The report provides no direct evidence that border enforcement is reducing unauthorized migration," said Wayne Cornelius, director of the Center for Comparative Immigration Studies at University of California San Diego.

While there may have been a decline, he said "the most likely cause is the poor state of the U.S. economy, especially in sectors like construction, retail and low-wage services." Federal officials said the number of people apprehended at the border has dropped this year, suggesting that fewer are attempting to cross illegally.

-- Paul M. Krawzak

Posted by Michael Smolens July 30, 2008 02:52 PM



http://weblog.signonsandiego.com/news/b ... ioned.html

"The report provides no direct evidence that border enforcement is reducing unauthorized migration," said Wayne Cornelius, director of the Center for Comparative Immigration Studies at University of California San Diego.

We know that enforcement is working because of the large numbers of illegal aliens that have left Georgia, Arizona, and Oklahoma after state level immigration enforcement began!

William Gheen

Critics of the report agree the illegal population may have fallen, but they insist the main driver is the economy.

The OBLs just stuck their feet in their mouths ...

They swear up and down that illegals invade us to have a better life .. but now they are admitting they are invading us for economic perks ..

I spoke with one city council member a few days ago , he said there were 75
openings in the after school program this year . It has, for several years been filled with illegals so i guess we are seeing progress .

I myself think they are all going to SF or other sanctuary cities....but I have not heard of any mass exits at the Southern border.

See this response from Krikorian, which I'll post as a separate thread:

http://www.cis.org/node/713