Number of immigrants hits record 37.5M - U.S. Politics Online: A Political Discussion Forum

Crystal · #1 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007

Quote:

Number of immigrants hits record 37.5M - Yahoo! News

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press Writer
Wed Sep 12, 12:48 AM ET

WASHINGTON - Nearly one in five people living in the United States speaks a language at home other than English, according to new Census data that illustrate the wide-ranging effects of immigration.

The number of immigrants nationwide reached an all-time high of 37.5 million in 2006, affecting incomes and education levels in many cities across the country. But the effects have not been uniform.

In most states, immigrants have added to the number of those lacking a high-school diploma, with almost half of those from Latin America falling into that category.

However, at the other end of the education spectrum, Asian immigrants are raising average education levels in many states, with nearly half of them holding at least a bachelor's degree.

"There is no one-size-fits-all policy that you could apply for all immigrant groups," said Mark Mather of the Population Reference Bureau. "I think most of the attention has been on low-skilled workers coming from Mexico. But we have 10 million immigrants from Asia, a number that's growing."

The Census Bureau on Wednesday released a host of demographic data about the nation, including statistics on immigration, housing, education and employment.

The Census Bureau on Wednesday released a host of demographic data about the nation, including statistics on immigration, housing, education and employment.

The data come from the American Community Survey, an annual survey of 3 million households that has replaced the Census Bureau's long-form questionnaire from the once-a-decade census. It does not distinguish between illegal immigrants and those who are in the U.S. legally.

...

New interesting information out. Once again though, we have census information that doesn't distinguish between legal and illegal imigrants which brings me back to the problem of illegals being counted and increasing the number of electoral votes and number of House members states such as Texas and California have.

How are the different (and I use that term loosely) political parties going to pander to this group of immigrants? Thoughts?

iamwhatiseem · #2 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007

Hey I got an idea...let's pass a bill to build a fence and install better security on the border, make a big deal about it...hold a press conference...except if a state objects they don't pay any penalties if the don't do it and they have until 2013 to get it done...oh wait...we already did this!

O'Sullivan Bere · #3 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crystal

New interesting information out. Once again though, we have census information that doesn't distinguish between legal and illegal imigrants which brings me back to the problem of illegals being counted and increasing the number of electoral votes and number of House members states such as Texas and California have.

How are the different (and I use that term loosely) political parties going to pander to this group of immigrants? Thoughts?

The Democrats naturally will seek to legalise them. Given the majority of them are working class and have a very favourable view of opening the immigration laws and seeing the Dems as more likely to stick up for them on their issues, the Dems stand to receive the bulk of the votes from them should they be legalised. Moreover, legalisation leads to getting these people on the books as voters all over the country for winning elections, which would be especially helpful in states with large electoral college votes for securing and increasing their dominance in blue states like California, win purple states like Florida, and compete in red states like Texas. Legalising them will also appease voter bases such as the unions and workers who suffer salary and job threats due to cheap illegal labour. Many social liberals who have a sympathetic and inviting view of Latinos also stand to be pleased.

The GOP has the opposite incentives. Illegal status removes them as a voter base that makes winning purple and red states easier and helps make the GOP viable in blue states with the additional bonus of getting a boost in electoral votes from red states and any others they may win by counting them for electoral college and House of Representatives purposes whilst excluding them as voters. Many in the business wing profit from illegal labour, and a segment of the base views the huge Latino influx as a social threat.

proUSA · #4 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007

If I were here illegally I wouldn't partake in a census, so that brings me to ponder how many of those 37.5 million are illegals or do we have 37.5 plus an additional 15-20 or do we really have any idea as to how many are here.

I'm guessing that we don't have a clue as to the real figures.

Tethys · #5 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007

Crystal, OSB….

I think this is a very interesting topic for discussion.

But shouldn’t it be posted in Breaking News; or Political Parties, campaigns and Elections; or in Social Issues?

I thought the “Welcome! / News & Announcements” section was for internal forum news or issues.

Am I mistaken?

Tethys

O'Sullivan Bere · #6 (**permalink**) 09-12-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tethys

Crystal, OSB….

I think this is a very interesting topic for discussion.

But shouldn’t it be posted in Breaking News; or Political Parties, campaigns and Elections; or in Social Issues?

I thought the “Welcome! / News & Announcements” section was for internal forum news or issues.

Am I mistaken?

Tethys

Moved.

Americano · #7 (**permalink**) 09-13-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by O'Sullivan Bere

The Democrats naturally will seek to legalise them. Given the majority of them are working class and have a very favourable view of opening the immigration laws and seeing the Dems as more likely to stick up for them on their issues, the Dems stand to receive the bulk of the votes from them should they be legalised. Moreover, legalisation leads to getting these people on the books as voters all over the country for winning elections, which would be especially helpful in states with large electoral college votes for securing and increasing their dominance in blue states like California, win purple states like Florida, and compete in red states like Texas. Legalising them will also appease voter bases such as the unions and workers who suffer salary and job threats due to cheap illegal labour. Many social liberals who have a sympathetic and inviting view of Latinos also stand to be pleased.

The GOP has the opposite incentives. Illegal status removes them as a voter base that makes winning purple and red states easier and helps make the GOP viable in blue states with the additional bonus of getting a boost in electoral votes from red states and any others they may win by counting them for electoral college and House of Representatives purposes whilst excluding them as voters. Many in the business wing profit from illegal labour, and a segment of the base views the huge Latino influx as a social threat.

A fair assessment and refreshing on this board where emotion generally buries analytical discussion.

Crystal · #8 (**permalink**) 09-13-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by O'Sullivan Bere

Moved.

I think it's also interesting which is why I had it on the front page

You and I have been having an immigration discussion for years. That's it - you're on the next boat back to Ireland, buddy

Okay, let me go find something else to put on the front page.

O'Sullivan Bere · #9 (**permalink**) 09-13-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crystal

I think it's also interesting which is why I had it on the front page

You and I have been having an immigration discussion for years. That's it - you're on the next boat back to Ireland, buddy

Okay, let me go find something else to put on the front page.

Hmmm. A taxpayer paid holiday to see the family will be appreciated. Then I get to see Texas on my way back. Sounds good to me--get the tickets.

Crystal · #10 (**permalink**) 09-13-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by O'Sullivan Bere

Hmmm. A taxpayer paid holiday to see the family will be appreciated. Then I get to see Texas on my way back. Sounds good to me--get the tickets.

smartass!

Tethys · #11 (**permalink**) 09-13-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crystal

I think it's also interesting which is why I had it on the front page

You and I have been having an immigration discussion for years. That's it - you're on the next boat back to Ireland, buddy

Okay, let me go find something else to put on the front page.

LOL! Sorry, Crystal. I didn't realise it was in the Front Page section. The way the links list for me using my Screen Reader program, it seemed that the thread was in the Welcome section. I did ask: "Am I mistaken?"." I really just wanted to know. Can you send me to Ireland instead of OSB? I want to kiss the Blarney Stone.

Tethys

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