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



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