Case Study: Undocumented Immigrants

1) Undocumented Immigrants have been here for a while
Many people today believe that most undocumented immigrants have just arrived. The Pew Research Center estimates 21 percent of illegal immigrants have lived in the country for 20 years or longer and 62 % of Undocumented Workers have lived here for a decade. These undocumented workers attend church, shop at the local market, work and attend school here. They have become integrated into society, making the U.S. their new home.
The length of time that an undocumented immigrant has lived in the U.S. may be vital as the government discusses possible actions that could suspend deportations. There is hope that a program will be created for those with significant ties to the community that will

keep them from becoming deported.

2) Not Every Undocumented Immigrant Wants to Continue Living Here
In the past when the need rose, seasonal workers were permitted to enter the U.S. and when the work was finished they returned home, to their country of origin. When the U.S. tightened its grip on its border many undocumented workers stayed in the U.S., hiding from authorities for fear of being incarcerated for long terms. It’s a situation for these undocumented workers where you damned if you do and damned if you don’t. If you attempt to return home you chance incarceration. If you stay, you live in fear away from your loved ones. In the meanwhile employers are struggling to find people to harvest their crops.

3) The Number of Undocumented Immigrants Hasn’t Increased in Nearly a Decade
According to the Pew Research Center the number of undocumented immigrants has been decreasing from 12.2 million in 2007 to 11.3 million in 2013. Today, more unauthorized immigrants have been deported as other have simply decided to return home. This is due in part to a weaker U.S. economy; lack of jobs in the construction industry; and a falling birthrate in Mexico.