ImmigrationArizona's illegal immigrant population takes a downward turn
The number of illegal immigrants in Arizona has declined in recent years, according to U.S. census data
Census data indicates that illegal border crossers may be self-deporting // Source: abna.ir
According to a report released by DHS, based on 2010 census data, there were approximately 360,000 illegal immigrants living in Arizona, the Arizona Republic reports.
This is a dramatic drop of 500,000 in the estimated illegal immigrant population, based on the 2000 census.
The reasons behind the decline are manifold, but many experts agree that the decline is due to the lack of work available because of the recession.
Border Patrol apprehensions are also considered an indicator of the number of illegal crossings. Arizona has long been the focal point for such crossings.
In the Tucson sector, one of the Border Patrol’s busiest in terms of border crossing interceptions, apprehensions fell by 41 percent when compared to a year before. Since it is understood that many more border crossers are not apprehended as they enter the country relative to those who are caught, the decline in arrests would seem to support the interpretation that there are fewer attempts.
Tighter security, coupled with tougher state immigration laws like Arizona’s Senate Bill 1070, have driven illegal immigrants out of the state. Similar illegal border crossers’ interstate migrations have been noted in other states that have passed legislation similar to Arizona’s.
Not many question the presumption that there is less immigration, and indeed some voluntary emigration, on the lack of work available during the recession.
Likewise, most accept the premise that as the U.S. economy improves and moves toward a more robust construction phase, that illegal immigration will again increase.
