Strict Immigration Laws And Impact On Local Real Estate Valu

[cvangel]

Strict Immigration Laws And Their Impact On Local Real Estate Values
Published on:
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Written by:
Jerry Erickson


While an increasing number of American citizens have been pushing for stricter immigration laws — one county has found that cutting back on immigration can have unintended consequences. Prince William County, Virginia has seen real estate prices collapse recently, and a large part of the falling values has been the result of new stricter immigration laws and a loss of immigrant residents. For more information, read the following article from JD Supra by immigration attorney Jerry Erickson.

Have you noticed that Prince William’s immigrants, both illegal and legal, are leaving the county? In 2007, Prince William’s foreign-born population dropped 6 percent while neighboring Fairfax County increased its immigrant population by 7 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 2007. Although a trip down Smoketown Road during rush hour might lead you to believe that the county is as overpopulated as ever, the drop in the noncitizen population is real and will likely continue.

What is the difference between the counties? Anti-illegal immigration legislation. Prince William has it, Fairfax doesn’t, and as of December 1, 2008, Manassas decided to follow in the steps of Prince William by requiring the police department to check the immigration status of all persons arrested for a violation of state or local law.

There are costs and benefits of having one of the fastest growing immigrant populations in the country — and plenty of folks on both sides of the debate. The people of Manassas have watched the progression of the Prince William anti-illegal measures as concerned next-door neighbors. Its citizens have decided that they are willing to take the good with the bad.

Proponents of the legislation tout the reduction in the number of overcrowded area homes. They are happy to see the demise of many “boarding houseâ€

[Ratbstard]

I'm sure ol' Jerrys opinion is totally UNBIASED!

[AE]

I have to give this opinion of housing and property values. I believe that with our economy and markets have been bloated for way too long. I believe in part, illegal immigration has fed that with the heavy need the illegal immigrant population has put on the housing market, it has inflated the prices, values and worth (we know many things will go up in price when there is a heavy demand for it).

What I believe is happening is that the real values are finally becoming reality, and of course many are not happy with it, as it affects them, heck it affects me, I am a renter in an overpriced, sub-standard place.

I firmly believe that if we were to deport every single illegal alien, we would start seeing more realistic prices in homes and rentals. We would also see a surge in Americans being employed, and being able to afford those homes.

[vortex]

Where is it written in the Constitution that we must strive for cultural diversity? I have no problem with other cultures, but feel that the American culture must come first.
As for "immigrants" leaving, it is probably because they are illegal, and as far as (hopefully) legal immigrants, the homeowners are losing the 20-30 illegals under their roof helping them pay the mortgage. Keep enforcing the laws and I am sure there will be plenty of investors ready to gamble.

[AE]

Vortex, funny you should say that. My landlord is a legal immigrant, renting to all illegals, minus my family!!!LOL Yep, the guy is getting rich not doing ANY maintenance or repairs, and just collecting the rent and paying what he has to. Plus the guy has been making frequent trips back to his home nation as of recent, and we feel strongly that he is just lining an account so he can go back and live well on.

[NoBueno]

I'm sure ol' Jerrys opinion is totally UNBIASED!

LOL! Exactly RB! Seems ol ' Jerry has a vested interest in the position he has taken and that interest ends in his wallet!

[Ratbstard]

I'm sure ol' Jerrys opinion is totally UNBIASED!

LOL! Exactly RB! Seems ol ' Jerry has a vested interest in the position he has taken and that interest ends in his wallet!

He'd sing a different song if IAs were doing HIS job for 75% less than he would. I'm pretty sure if the govt turned a blind eye to IAs practicing law or medicine etc. They'd form a MOB!

[ReggieMay]

In my neighborhood, home values go down every time an illegal moves onto the block. No one wants to live in a town that's 50% illegal. No one wants to send their kids to school where half the instructions are given in Spanish.

[Mayday]

I've lived in a neighborhood with empty homes and loved it. It was so peaceful. I would love it if the "newcomers" moved. Heck I'd even mow the lawns where the empty houses are if they left! I call them newcomers because not all of our newcomers are illegal. The house next to me has one window painted green, one painted black, part of the trim painted black, another part painted brown, a door painted red and it all looks like a kindergartener painted it. Yesterday I caught the neighbor digging in the dumpster when I took my trash out and asked if he lost something. He called me a f****** and then I noticed he had a knife in his hand. This is not the first time I've seen someone digging in the dumpster and I know they aren't looking for aluminum. A normal person would have said yes I lost my whatever and would have made a joke of it. My neighbor is a poster boy as to why there should never be another amnasty as I believe he is the product of the last one.

FYI I do have the police number memorized probably because I've used it too much and it's on speed dial on my cell. When I go outside my cell is in my pocket.

I should take pics and give you guys and Jerry Erickson a graffiti tour of my town. It's awful here! Empty homes and weeds would look better than the graffiti we have everywhere!

[NoBueno]

Are you sure your so called 'neighbor' is not actually a squatter MD? Sounds very strange....