Non-citizens account for 44% of the total adult Hispanic population?

Question

Of these non-citizen Latino adults, an estimated 55% are undocumented immigrants and the other 45% are legal aliens.

Hispanics who are not citizens feel much more vulnerable in the current environment than do Hispanics who are citizens. They are about twice as likely as Hispanic citizens to worry about deportation and to feel a specific negative personal impact from the heightened attention to illegal immigration.

http://pewhispanic.org/reports/report.php?ReportID=84

Why do legal aliens worry about being deported, and what should be done about it....if anything?

Answer 1

Great article, thanks. I have no reason why they would be afraid. Maybe they feel a backlash, but I cannot see why. what is that about 27% are illegal? I could see why they are freakin out, but not the legal folks, unless they feel their permits or visas would be revoked.

I saw a deal about many who just stay after the permits expire, sorta like the folks that have the visas. You know i wonder how that account for the 33 millon that come in as tourist and such as "favorite nation status" from those 27 countries, that come in on 90 day passes. Take care.

Answer 2

I would suspect that the LEGAL aliens are concerned about being deported because they are afraid of racial profiling.

Also, there are a LOT of people with the same first and last name - (Think- Ana Ramirez, Maria Lopez, etc). I am sure that they worry that they may be a victim of mistaken identity or of stolen identity and would be mistaken for an illegal counterpart.

I am not sure how to fix this, as, the reality is- they DO have the same names, and, since they often live together in Spanish speaking communities, they are more likely to be victims of identity theft- by sheer proximity. Also, an undocumented that has the papers of John Smith will raise more eyebrows than if his papers say Julio Martinez, so, I am sure that legal immigrants are sought out for identity theft.

Answer 3

This is why:

Hispanics in the United States are feeling a range of negative effects from the increased public attention and stepped up enforcement measures that have accompanied the growing national debate over illegal immigration.

Just over half of all Hispanic adults in the U.S. worry that they, a family member or a close friend could be deported, a new nationwide survey of Latinos by the Pew Hispanic Center has found. Nearly two-thirds say the failure of Congress to enact an immigration reform bill has made life more difficult for all Latinos. Smaller numbers (ranging from about one-in-eight to one-in-four) say the heightened attention to immigration issues has had a specific negative effect on them personally. These effects include more difficulty finding work or housing; less likelihood of using government services or traveling abroad; and.......

We need to enforce the laws and make it even tougher for them.

Answer 4

While it is kinda sad that it has to be this way, I'm pleased to hear it.
Perhaps those who worry and have a reaon to worry, will realize they had better become legal or leave ...hopefully leave. That's the point of all this.
Who, in their right mind, wants to live in a world where everyon is looking for them, to put them in jail or remove them without concern for their current life, back to where they came from.
This could give second thoughts to others that would come here criminally.

Answer 5

We need to take away ALL of the incentives and rewards, then almost all will self deport at their own expense.

That would be a win-win for every legal immigrant and every taxpaying citizen.

Answer 6

Because deportation will interrupt their current endeavors good, bad or otherwise. They should worry. The American citizen is standing up and speaking on the issue. Hopefully the appropriate reform or enforcement of current immigration laws will be introduced or enforced.

Answer 7

I think we should make them paranoid about deportation instead of just worried if you are worried about being punished for breaking a law then I have zero sympathy for you.

Answer 8

The sagging US economy is the culprit for the crackdown on illegals due to unemployment and lacking welfare benefits.

Answer 9

It's good news if they fear a chill, and ICE so to speak, now is a good time to put an end to it and return to Mexico

Answer 10

moody is right why fight it don't worry just go home and you won't have to live in the shadows. fix you're own country while you're there.