The Debate Surrounding Immigration Reform: A Case Study of the Undocumented in New York Prof. Milena GomezHollis Calhoun Carolyn Castro Isabel Gonzalez Rahul Gupta Yasushi NozawaZachary Wales Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs Final Presentation November 29, 2006

Our Client The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Queens MISSION STATEMENT: A non-profit organization that aims to assist in the growth and development of Hispanic-owned business in the County of Queens.

Agenda Brief overview of the issue of undocumented immigration Project objectives and proposed research questions Research methodology Findings Challenges and constraints Deliverables Client recommendations

Background Immigration reform is one of the most challenging policy issues facing Congress and the White House in recent years Immigration and Customs Enforcement (formerly INS) estimates 275,000 unauthorized immigrants enter the U.S. each year Approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S. Public opinion bitterly divided on the issue Conflicting public views on undocumented immigrants’ use of public services, employment & tax status, family situation, contribution to U.S. economy, etc. Fierce disagreement between political parties, and within political parties

Objectives Areas of interest: Immigrants’ use of public services U.S. demand for foreign labor Issues facing the children of immigrants

Methodology Primary Research: Collaborated with community leaders and organizations Conducted surveys at Jackson Heights community festivals, on location at day labor pick up site, on the street with passersby, and in community classes Completed statistical analysis of survey findings Solicited assistance and existing research from a total of 32 community groups

Methodology Secondary Research: Scholarly journals on immigration and related material Review of non-governmental and community organizations (local and national) working in this field Current news and media Research studies and articles from advocacy and political organizations

Challenges & Constraints Small research team Limited language barriers Obtaining “trust” from members of community Lack of response from community organizations Due to significant challenges reaching the South Asian community, population was removed from our scope of research

Findings 163 respondents from 13 Latin American countries: Overview 74% are between 18 and 44 69% immigrated for employment reasons 62% have arrived within the last 9 years 30% have more than a high school education

Findings Income, Employment, Labor  65% earn less than $1,500 per month (where $1,000– 1,500 is the median) Of respondents who are employed, the most common areas of employment are:  23% in construction trades  21% in restaurant services  20% domestic work  47% of women work in domestic services Respondents spend most of their income on food, transportation, rent and remittances:

Findings Labor Demand 6% are unemployed 82% had work unrelated to their educational experience 56% found work within a month of arriving in the U.S.

Findings Public Services 60% paid income tax 51% have a U.S. tax ID 63% reported receiving medical care at a hospital or clinic 26% have some form of medical insurance; of that…  56% receive state government subsidized insurance  55% of total from hospitals  12% of total from clinics

Findings Family & Children 62% have children living with them in the U.S. 82% have family living in the U.S. 40% have children with U.S. citizenship

Deliverables Compile all secondary data and literature reviewed into a searchable CD-ROM and catalogued hard copy Present findings in Jackson Heights to client, local media, and community members (organizations and individuals) Provide client with written report of research findings

Client Recommendations Strengthen networks between immigrant service organizations Initiate a marketing and communications campaign to inform undocumented immigrants of available services Conduct further research on which industries in Queens are employing undocumented immigrants, and encourage better business practices among those business owners Future Workshop groups could help client implement coordinated network of community organizations

Questions?