Politics

Poll of undocumented immigrants shows ties to people here legally

Anne Hobson Contributor
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Most undocumented Latino immigrants have a family member who is a U.S. citizen, according to a poll released Monday by Latino Decisions. This survey comes at a time when immigration is at the forefront of the national debate.

According to the poll which was conducted throughout the month of March, 85 percent of undocumented immigrants are directly related to at least one U.S. citizen. Moreover, 62 percent of undocumented immigrants have at least one U.S.-born child. Latino Decisions interviewed 400 undocumented Latino adult immigrants who self-identified as non-citizens without visas or documentation.

When asked about their citizenship intentions, 87 percent said they would apply for citizenship if the law was changed to allow for that process. Nearly 80 percent of respondents reported coming to the United States for better jobs and opportunities, as well as for a better life for their families.

The poll also found that the undocumented immigrant population is relatively young. Just over 80 percent of respondents arrived in the United States at or below 30 years of age.

A large majority of undocumented immigrants reside in households that own cars, and 15 percent reported owning their home. Two-thirds of the respondents have been living in the U.S. for more than a decade.

According to Latino Decisions, “the poll finds a very strong connection between immigrant communities and other Americans.”

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