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Activity Number:
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116
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Type:
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Contributed
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Date/Time:
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Monday, July 30, 2007 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
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Sponsor:
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Social Statistics Section
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| Abstract - #308369 |
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Title:
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An Integrated Approach to Address Immigration Data Quality Problems: Sampling and Archival Research
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Author(s):
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MacReadie Barr*+
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Companies:
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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Address:
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800 K St NW, Washington, DC, 20536,
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Keywords:
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Department of Homeland Security ; Office of Immigration Statistics ; Data Quality ; Sampling ; Administrative Records ; Archival Research
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Abstract:
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Automated immigration systems of the Department of Homeland Security have been increasingly reporting incomplete data for key variables. These variables provide important decision support for immigration policymakers regarding the human capital of immigrants, their entry into the United States, and their transition from temporary to permanent status. This study attempts to determine if the incomplete data are attributable to the applicant or the application processing. I use simple random sampling of archived paper files to determine if immigrants provide the information in question. Fieldwork was conducted at DHS's repository of immigrant records: a cave in Missouri, housing 45 million files. Results suggest that the data in question do exist. Moreover, the demonstrated sampling approach allows access to needed immigration data that cannot be obtained as efficiently elsewhere.
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