"I think we're doing much better at securing our borders. I think it's going to be harder and harder for you to cross the border in the future,"

Thousands of Illegal Immigrants Leave Nevada

Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Source: 8 News Now
Video at the link

LAS VEGAS -- For the first time in 20 years, illegal immigrants are crossing back over the border, leaving the United States in large numbers. And nowhere else is that more evident than in Nevada, where we are seeing the largest decrease.

A new study from the Pew Hispanic Center found more than 11 million illegal immigrants left the United States last year. Trailing only California with the highest illegal immigrant population, 50,000 illegal immigrants left Nevada.

Las Vegas Latin Chamber President Otto Merida says the loss could equal millions lost in the Las Vegas economy.

"What will happen is that it will have an economic impact for people who do business -- restaurants, a need for lawyers, accountants, and all types of services," he said.

With the nations high unemployment rate, coupled with the government stepping up border security, the report says many immigrants simply aren't willing to take the risk for the land of opportunity.

"I think we're doing much better at securing our borders. I think it's going to be harder and harder for you to cross the border in the future," said Merida.

Despite having the country's highest unemployment rate, Nevada's illegal immigrant workforce leads the nation.

"It's very attractive because we have a lot of service jobs. Jobs that don't require too much of an education in order to be successful in order to get a job," said Merida.

But with building at standstill, one immigrant who asked not to be identified says he's been looking for work for more than a year. Despite many immigrants leaving, he plans to stay.

"I used to work in construction," he said. "I have my kids over here -- three kids and my wife."

But with a 20-percent unemployment rate among immigrants in Nevada, he isn't sure for how long. Those numbers could also be an important factor to determine which states will gain or lose seats in the House of Representatives after the 2010 census.

http://www.8newsnow.com/global/story.asp?s=13085500