While there are many facets to an intelligent immigration reform package, one thing is clear: legalization for undocumented immigrants helps all Americans. Most economists recognize that legalization has worked in the past. After a significant percentage of the undocumented population legalized under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), information on IRCA applicants was used to assess the legislation's impact.  

Report File: 

IPC_back_to_the_future.pdf

In Congress' immigration debate, the central question is typically what to do about the 11 million unauthorized immigrants living and working in the United States (2012). The media often portrays this population as barely literate young men who pour over the southern border and live solitary lives rather than providing a nuanced understanding of who the 11 million really are: adults and children, mothers and fathers, homeowners and churchgoers who are invested in their communities.  

Report File: 

IPC_legalize_who.pdf

Mexican Migration to the United States: Policy and Trends (click to view)

Report File: 

CRS_-_Mexican_Migration_to_the_US.pdf

Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians describes this report as "a first-of-its-kind portrait about mobile technology usage among immigrants." The report is based on a non-randomized sample of 118 adult immigrants in the Philadelphia area who responded to the Center's survey on cellphone use. Their responses were compared against data on general cellphone use in the U.S. as reported by the Pew Internet and American Life Project.  

Report File: 

Welcoming_Center_-_digital_diaspora.pdf

Cities and Immigration: Local Policies for Immigrant-Friendly Cities (click to view)