Term Controversy

• The term "undocumented immigrant" causes controversy over the proper or improper use of immigrant. According to the USCIS, an immigrant is a permanent resident alien, implying the immigrant is lawfully present in the United States. Thus, the term undocumented immigrant is seen as an oxymoron.
  
  However, the USCIS also recognizes the Immigration Nationality Act. The INA describes an immigrant as any alien in the United States, with the exception of those specifically under non-immigrant status. Thus, even illegal aliens would be described as immigrants.
  
  

Documentation

• Undocumented refers to an immigrant's lack of proper authorization to enter the United States. Proper documentation includes an I-94 entry card and some type of U.S. visa. Whether a visa for employment, travel or immigrant status, the lack of documentation prohibits a foreign national from legally entering the United States.
  
  

Percentage of Undocumented Immigrants

• According to the Urban Institute, a March 2002 population survey reported 34.5 million immigrants in the United States. Of those immigrants, an estimated 26 percent, or 9.3 million immigrants, were undocumented. Approximately 57 percent of undocumented immigrants come from Mexico, while an additional 23 percent come from other Latin America countries. Of the remaining 20 percent of undocumented immigrants, an estimated 10 percent come from Asia, 5 percent come from Europe and Canada, and the rest of the world comprising the remaining 5 percent.
  
  

States Affected by Undocumented Immigrants

• The Urban Institute reports that two-thirds of undocumented immigrants in the United States live in just six states. California has the highest number of undocumented immigrants, with 26 percent of the total undocumented immigrant population, while Texas (12 percent), Florida (10 percent), New York (8 percent), Illinois (4 percent) and New Jersey (4 percent) round out the other five states.
  
  

Economy

• According to a study by the University of California, Los Angeles, immigration in America helps the economy. Essentially, more people working creates greater capital and more jobs. However, undocumented immigrants actually hurt the economy. Unable to legally pay undocumented immigrants, employers pay under the table. Since this payment is undocumented, there is no record of it occurring, and thus no taxes are paid. For this reason, some advocates of immigration suggest legalizing undocumented workers to help spur the economy and recoup lost tax dollars.