Abstract #300361

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JSM 2002 Abstract #300361
Activity Number: 369
Type: Invited
Date/Time: Thursday, August 15, 2002 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
Sponsor: Section on Government Statistics*
Abstract - #300361
Title: The Potential and Limitations of Reporting to Congress: The Triennial Report on Immigration
Author(s): Linda Gordon*+
Affiliation(s): U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service
Address: , Washington, District of Columbia, 20536, U.S.A.
Keywords:
Abstract:

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) is known for its amnesty and employment provisions. IRCA also mandated a recurring report on which to base immigration policy. It is to describe immigration impact and may recommend changes in law. The subject matter specified is broad, including "the impact on specific states and local units of government of high rates of immigration resettlement." In practice, it has proved difficult to produce a meaningful report at the level of detail mandated in the law.

This paper summarizes how federal agencies have addressed this reporting requirement and reflects on lessons that can be learned. Questions addressed include: What data can be mustered to support such a reporting requirement? Can meaningful national generalizations be made, or should immigration impact be examined city by city? What other avenues exist for creating a sound basis for immigration policy?

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Revised March 2002