Illegal immigrant population in U.S. plummets, according to a new report

[one...two...tree 2,762]

The number of illegal immigrants living in the U.S. plummeted to 10.8 million in 2009, from 11.6 million the previous year, marking the sharpest decline in years and coinciding with the economic downturn, according to a new report by the Department of Homeland Security.

Mirroring a nationwide trend, California’s illegal-immigrant population dropped to 2.6 million, from 2.8 million during this same period, according to the report, which is based on census data. The only state to see its number of undocumented residents go up during this time was Georgia, which went from 460,000 to 480,000.

The report cautioned that changes made to the census survey could have affected the results.

Some researchers said that the drop is because fewer illegal immigrants were entering the country.

But others disagree, saying the decline is largely due to undocumented immigrants either voluntarily leaving or being deported.

Most researchers said that the downturn in the economy has played a key role in reducing the illegal immigrant population. But some point out that the drop in the undocumented population started before the recession.

The number of illegal immigrants residing in the U.S. declined to 11.6 million in 2008, from 11.7 million the previous year, according to the Department of Homeland Security. To see the full report, visit http://www.dhs.gov/files/statistics/immigration.shtm.

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[Gary and Alla 3,694]

It is a sign of the Obama economy. They are walking back to Mexico. This is why I do not want this border fence, it just fences US in, so when the economy falls more, WE can't escape to Mexico for prosperity!

Oh well, I always said they would when there waws no longer an economic incentive to be here...but I hadn't exactly meant it the way Obama is doing it. Killing all the jobs was not MY idea.

[mawilson 2,133]

The number of illegal immigrants living in the U.S. plummeted to 10.8 million in 2009, from 11.6 million the previous year

"Plummeted" is a bit of an exaggeration, don't ya think?

A 7% decrease is not good enough.

[Ban Hammer 14,183]

"Plummeted" is a bit of an exaggeration, don't ya think?

A 7% decrease is not good enough.

800,000 out of 11.6 mill, such a dramatic decrease!

[az110965 252]

Just curuious where the arbitrary number of 11.6 million came from. I read that it's census data but do they REALLY believe that illegals will either return their census cards or answer the interviewer honestly? Illegal imigrant population numbers have been stated anywhere from 15-20 million and even that number could be conservative...

[scandal 951]

The only state to see its number of undocumented residents go up during this time was Georgia, which went from 460,000 to 480,000.

Damn Georgians.

Killing all the jobs was not MY idea.

Oh, please don't be modest. Feel free to take all the credit.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Just curuious where the arbitrary number of 11.6 million came from. I read that it's census data but do they REALLY believe that illegals will either return their census cards or answer the interviewer honestly? Illegal imigrant population numbers have been stated anywhere from 15-20 million and even that number could be conservative...

So it is now 11 million from 20 million? HALF of them left?

[Pooky 3,867]

Some researchers said that the drop is because fewer illegal immigrants were entering the country.

Proof positive that said "researchers" are a bunch of dorks that failed basic math.

The numbers won't go down if fewer enter the country, they'll only go up at a slower rate.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

"Plummeted" is a bit of an exaggeration, don't ya think?

A 7% decrease is not good enough.

That depends, doesn't it? If you go from gaining, say 10% a year to actually decreasing the population by 7%, then it would be quite dramatic. Either way, I rather see the number decrease than increase. A faster decrease would be desirable but I take even a modest decrease over an increase any day. What this shows, though, is that effective employment verification enforcement would do the trick and that wall money could be better spent on something useful.

[I'm Gone 60]

I guess that's one positive of Obama running the economy into the ground. That should be his campaign pledge for 2012. Reelect me and I will drive all illegal aliens out of the U.S. Of course the rest of us will be living in refrigerator boxes and caves.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I guess that's one positive of Obama running the economy into the ground.

The great recession started in Dec 2007 and ended in May 2009. Obama held the office of President for only the last of about 6 quarters of the recession. How that translates into him having run the economy into the ground is beyond me. But hey, sorry for being a party pooper with those pesky facts.

[I'm Gone 60]

The great recession started in Dec 2007 and ended in May 2009. Obama held the office of President for only the last of about 6 quarters of the recession. How that translates into him having run the economy into the ground is beyond me. But hey, sorry for being a party pooper with those pesky facts.

What was unemployment when he took office and what is it now?

[NVC FAN :( 18]

YEAAAAAAAAAAA MR > BIG DOG

Keep spouting that ###### about its all bushes fault. you dumbass thats why the tea party is the growing and growing. because of idiots like you , still blaming bush.

keep posting it. for every post tea party picks up a few more.

[scandal 951]

YEAAAAAAAAAAA MR > BIG DOG

Keep spouting that ###### about its all bushes fault. you dumbass thats why the tea party is the growing and growing. because of idiots like you , still blaming bush.

keep posting it. for every post tea party picks up a few more.

It's all Bush's fault.

How many votes did that get ya?

[mawilson 2,133]

That depends, doesn't it? If you go from gaining, say 10% a year to actually decreasing the population by 7%, then it would be quite dramatic.

Yeah, I suppose.

I'm just afraid their migration patterns are cyclical and when the economy improves, they'll be back.