Undocumented Mexicans in the USA

Description

In the past two decades, large numbers of undocumented Mexican immigrants have settled in the United States and now constitute an important component of the US population. However, due to their illegal status, information about their actual numbers and living conditions, and about the impact of illegal status on their lives, has been difficult to gather. In this book the author analyzes the results of a unique survey conducted in Los Angeles County, where an estimated 44 percent of the undocumented Mexican population lives. The survey allows the author to make explicit comparisons among the groups of undocumented and legal Mexican immigrants and to study the effects of legal status on their living conditions. The author also examines the findings of a number of other social scientists, providing a comprehensive summary of the present data on undocumented Mexicans in the United States. In his conclusion, he turns to an evaluation of policy options for incorporating this group into the US population and for immigrants. The book will be an important resource for sociologists and other social scientists as well as for lawyers and policy experts studying the problem of illegal immigrants.

"David M. Heer's Undocumented Mexicans in the United States is a valuable book; it tells the reader everything he or she wants to know about immigration studies. It also gives an excellent synthesis of immigration legislation and its impact on Mexicans crossing the Rio Bravo." Pacific Historical Review "...a bold attempt to collect data on the undocumented population in Los Angeles, and it may usefully be read and interpreted as an interesting and prominent case study. Moreover, it should be mandatory reading for those contemplating collecting their own survey data. The discussion of the research design is clear, well organized, and meticulous in its attention to detail, and it it is full of fascinating insights into not only the various steps but also some of the potential pitfalls that one encounters in designing a survey." Thomas J. Espenshade, Contemporary Sociology "...a useful book... [an] excellent summary of prior research... The result is an excellent study in depth of undocumented Mexicans in Los Angeles...perhaps the most detailed and thorough one of undocumented Mexicans in California." Labor History