The Changing Face of Immigrants

According to a 2011 U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimate, 6.8 million of the 11.5 million undocumented immigrants were from Mexico. In addition, the Pew Hispanic Center has reported the number has dropped by near 1 million from five years before. Researchers believe the slow economic growth of the United States and the increased border-control efforts are major factors triggering the decline.

Undocumented immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras total more than 1.5 million. Four Asian countries—China, the Philippines, India and South Korea—accounted for a more than 1 million undocumented immigrants.

Government estimates indicate the vast majority of these immigrants live in California, Texas and Florida. New York and Illinois, however, have more than 500,000 of these immigrants each.

It’s easy to forget that America’s immigrant population is diverse when border states like Arizona and California battle over proposed laws. Similarly, the legal status of these immigrants may also be diverse. Some have overstayed visas, some are working on naturalization, some may have crossed a border illegally. Whatever your situation may be, always know the Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad are available to assist you with your legal needs.