Introduction
In response to agency inquiries regarding various immigration issues, this Immigration Resource Toolkit was compiled to help agencies better understand some of today’s critical immigration issues such as Arizona’s SB 1070 law. The following documents may be helpful to your agency if your state is considering this, or similar legislation. We have also included major trend data, similar proposed legislation, and its implication for the children we serve. Given the fact that 81% of unauthorized immigrants are Hispanic, this is the primary focus of the resources. However, most issues are applicable to other ethnic groups as well.
Please direct any questions to Ruben Ortiz, ruben.ortiz@bbbs.org.
Synopsis of Immigration Resources
Unauthorized Immigrant Population: National and State Trends - 2010, Feb., 2011
This annual Pew Hispanic Center report provides an overview of the trends in the size and composition of the unauthorized immigrant population. It is not designed to answer the question of why these changes occurred. According to this analysis, there are 11.2 million unauthorized immigrants living in the United States and every state has unauthorized immigrants. The number of unauthorized immigrants in the workforce is estimated at 8 million; therefore, these totals represent 3.7% of the nation’s population and 5.2% of the nation’s workforce. In addition, 8% of all births derive from unauthorized immigrants. The trends indicate a growing young population.
A Portrait of Unauthorized Immigrants in the United States, April 2009
This report, also from the Pew Hispanic Center, outlines the demographic characteristics of unauthorized immigrants and offers comparisons with legal immigrants and U.S.-born residents. This population makes up 6.8% of the students enrolled in the nation’s elementary and secondary schools. They are also more likely than either U.S. born residents or legal immigrants to live in a household with a spouse and children. Unauthorized immigrants represent 17% of the construction worker workforce and 25% of the farm- workers in the United States. In addition, this report provides some educational, economic, and healthcare characteristics.
Q&A Guide to State Immigration Laws, What You Need to Know if Your State is Considering Arizona SB1070-Type Legislation, Jan. 2011
This report by the Immigration Policy Center is a practical layman’s guide to Arizona’s SB1070 law. The initial legislation included such provisions like authorizing local police to make an arrest without a warrant of any person they believe is “removable from the United States.” This law affected both native-born U.S. citizens and other immigrants. The necessity for this report points to the fact that in the first half of 2010, 44 states enacted 319 immigration-related laws and resolutions, a 21% increase over 2009. It includes a fairly thorough Q & A on the law’s impact, status, it’s surrounding myths, immigrants and crime, safety, and the law’s economic implications.
Student Registration Guidance, Aug., 2010
This memo outlines information regarding school registration of students who may not be citizens of the United States. It is particular to the state of New York; however, it references federal law as well. The memo provides an overview of recommended strategies for addressing common issues school districts face. The overview covers age, residency, immunization, homeless students, and data collection.
U.S. Latinos’ Perceptions and Actions Around Immigration Debate: Law Enforcement, Lifestyle and Voting Impact, July 2010
This report highlights Latino perspectives on immigration reform, especially around the Arizona law SB 1070 and it’s surrounding debates. The top personal concern among 25% of Latino’s is immigration tied with the economy and jobs. It’s a nice piece put together by Santiago Solutions Group (a firm focused business strategy and marketing across Hispanic, diversity and generational segments), and the Hispanic Federation/LULAC. Over 500 interviews were conducted in this research from both coasts. The study covers general attitudes and beliefs on reform law, political perceptions and implications, civic activism, community galvanization and mobilization.