Who are California’s immigrants without legal status?
Most immigrants in California subject to deportation have lived in the United States for at least a decade
Most immigrants in California subject to deportation have lived in the United States for at least a decade, according to the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank dedicated to the analysis of worldwide immigration.
3,165,000
Estimated immigrants living in California illegally
Most were born in Mexico or Central American countries ...
... and nearly 1 in 9 come from an Asian country
57% have lived in the U.S. for 10 years or more
55% are between 25 and 44 years old
41% are married
40% live with their children
44% speak English
31% live below poverty level
92% of youths are enrolled in school
42% have at least a GED or have attended college
62% are employed
Top industries of employment
* Recreation includes arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services. Professional includes professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services.
Source: Migration Policy Institute analysis of U.S. Census Bureau 2008-12 American Community Survey and 2008 Survey of Income and Program Participation data. Estimates may vary from other sources because the population is difficult to assess.
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