As debates over immigration reform continue to gridlock Congress, the President has announced in no uncertain terms that he is prepared to make use of his executive powers to put new immigration measures into action – stirring further controversy and discontent on both sides of the aisle. But no matter what steps the White House takes, the main question remains: What should be done with the estimated 11.7 million undocumented immigrations living in America?

The question stirs up countless responses, many based on the overwhelming misperception that illegal immigrants are essentially barely literate, single men who recently crossed the border to contribute little to the country they take advantage of.

However, according the U.S. Census Bureau, the reality looks fairly different. The roughly 11.7 million unauthorized immigrants living and working the U.S. break down into the following demographics:

• At least three-fifths of the undocumented have been living and working in the U.S. for over a decade
• Nearly half have children under the age of 18
  
• More than half have earned a high school diploma or higher education degree
• About 4.5 million native-born Americans have at least one parent who is an undocumented immigrant
• Nearly half are homeowners
• Two-fifths attend religious activities and events on a weekly basis

Despite popular misconceptions, the unauthorized immigrant population is an integrated and thriving fraction of the U.S. society. For an in-depth look at the U.S. Census Bureau’s breakdown of the undocumented immigrant population, visit: http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/unauthorized-immigrants-today-demographic-profile.

If you, or a loved one, are seeking to protect your future in the U.S., contact the skilled immigration attorney Scott McVarish. Our knowledgeable and compassionate team can help you determine the best course of action to obtain a work-based or family-based visa. Call (213) 375-4084 for a consultation today.