The Urban Institute Immigration Studies Program recently published its findings on undocumented immigrants in response to the immigration reform proposals that have been introduced.  According to the study, there are an estimated 9.3 million undocumented immigrants in the US.  They compose 26% of the foreign-born population. 

Over half of these undocumented immigrants are from Mexico.  Another 23% are from other Latin American countries, 10% are from Asia, 5% from Europe and Canada and %5 from other parts of the world.

Most of the undocumented immigrants live in six states: 26% live in California, 12% live in Texas, 10% live in Florida, 8% are in New York, 4% are in Illinois and 4% live in New Jersey.  However, the most rapid growth of undocumented immigrants has been outside of these states.

An estimated six million undocumented workers are working in the US.  These workers earn considerably less than US workers.

1.6 million children under age 18 are undocumented immigrants.  3 million children are the US citizen children of undocumented immigrants.

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According to police, in the last three years, undocumented immigrants have been easy targets for robbers and burglars in Bridgeton, New Jersey.  In 2000, 27% of victims for aggravated assault, robbery and burglary were Hispanics.  In 2003, the number grew to 42%.  Officials say that many of the victims are Mexican farm workers, many of who are illegally in the country.

Police say the number of victims is probably higher, but they do not report the crimes for fear of being deported.  Others say victims do not come forward because of language barriers and cultural stereotypes.

In Latin American countries, police corruption is common.  Immigrants’ bad experiences with police in their home countries deter them from approaching police in the US.  Since these victims do not report the crimes, police are unaware that there is a problem.  Experts say that Latin Americans have a higher risk of being victims of crime than any other immigrant group.

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Beginning March 1, 2004, the Los Angeles USCIS District Office will begin requiring a completed I-864, Affidavit of Support, with all necessary supporting documents and a medical examination at the time of an initial I-485 filing.  If the petitioner does not financially qualify for the I-864, the co-sponsor’s I-864 with all necessary supporting documentation must also be submitted at the time of the initial filing.  (Thanks to Los Angeles immigration lawyer Greg Berk for providing this information.)

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The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) told the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that it does not object to the American Hospital Association’s recent call to delay a pending rule which would require Canadian and other immigrant nurses and health professionals to be certified by an approved credentialing body before they can work as a health professional in the US.

The American Hospital Association (AHA) has urged the DHS to delay the rule’s effective date by at least a year and exempt health professionals who already have valid licenses to practice in the US.  However, CGFNS does not support the AHA’s request to exempt health professionals from the new certification requirement.

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The American Immigration Lawyer’s Association (AILA) has announced that sources in the government have indicated that USCIS believes that the 66,000 cap for H-2B petitions may be reached this year around April.

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Five Georgia teens were charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault and false imprisonment after beating two immigrant day laborers with pipes, sticks and fists and stealing approximately $570, the cash the immigrants had on them.  They had lured these immigrants by promising them jobs.  Spokespeople from the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said in response that police and businesses should collaborate to create better and safer jobs for Hispanic workers, many who are struggling immigrants.