Fewer Illegal Immigrants Entering The U.S. After Economic Slowdown

October 3, 2008 8:30 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - There are half a million less illegal immigrants in the United States following the economic slowdown, according to a report by the Pew Hispanic Center.

As of March, the number of illegal migrants in the U.S. was placed at 11.9 million people.

The study did not state the reason behind the decrease in number, but other researchers pointed to the economic downturn as the main reason.

William Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution, said, "The decline in job prospects in construction, service and other low-skilled jobs are communicated through extended networks of would-be movers from Mexico and Latin America... It may also propel more return migration."

Another reason is the tough implementation of immigration laws which saw a rise in workplace raids the past few weeks and lead to arrests and deportation of illegal workers. So far, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement has sent back more than 339,000 illegal immigrants in the past year.