Study: Illegal Immigration Down Nationally, Steady in Nebraska
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A new study examined by Nebraska Watchdog finds that while the number of illegal immigrants in the United States has dropped nearly 8 percent in the 
last few years, Nebraska’s illegal immigration population has either remained steady or risen slightly.
According to statistics from the Pew Hispanic Center, between 2007 and 2009 the number of illegal immigrants in the country dropped from 12 million to 11.1 million. Some immigration experts attribute the drop to the poor economy in the U.S. while others argue that tighter border controls have helped curtail the flow of illegal immigrants.
The figures available for Nebraska compare the years 2005 and 2009. In 2005 it’s estimated there were between 35,000 and 55,000 illegal immigrants in the state, the 2009 figures range between 35,000 and 60,000.
The latest study finds that illegal immigrants make up 2.6 percent of the state’s population. At the same time one out of every 33 workers in Nebraska, roughly 30,000 are in the country illegally.
The most recent numbers are based on U.S. census data from March of 2009. Since 2008 the State of Nebraska, specifically the town of Fremont, has been in the national immigration spotlight.
Two years ago the Fremont City Council voted down a plan that would have prohibited employers from hiring people who are in the country illegally and stop landlords from renting to them. A legal fight followed and the Nebraska Supreme Court ordered Fremont to put the issue up for a vote of the people.
In June of 2010, despite accusations of racism and threats of a budget busting court fight, the voters told illegal immigrants they ‘need not apply.’
By a vote of 3,906 to 2,908–a margin of 57% to 43%–Fremont adopted the anti-illegal immigrant ordinance.
Before the local law went into effect the Nebraska chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenged the ordinance in court, and it is now on hold.
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Reported by Joe Jordan, joe@nebraskawatchdog.org
Posted under News, State Politics.
Tags: Fremont City Council, Joe Jordan, Nebraska Watchdog, Pew Hispanic Center
5:32 pm on September 2nd, 2010
They’re coming here from the states that are checking them. It’s probably up some in Colorado too. When are we going to get smeart?
10:39 pm on September 2nd, 2010
If employers were held accountable for hiring illegals we wouldn’t be in this mess. And the liberal politicians wouldn’t have to make excuses for their in action!
10:41 pm on September 2nd, 2010
The information is from the Hispanic Pew Center seems they might have a bias here!
8:45 pm on September 3rd, 2010
Come to Nebraska and South Omaha where you can live, work and drive an
auto with no problems. You can’t get a NE. driver’s license or insurance. No problem. No one will bother you and we the taxpayers will give you healthcare and school your children. Even give them in-state tuition after they get out of high school. Then just wait until Washington gives out the next amnesty. What a Country.
11:08 pm on September 3rd, 2010
D Mark: Yep what a country!
10:46 am on September 4th, 2010
Thank you joe for reporting the numbers correctly. LJS has a similar story with incorrect numbers.
This all asks the question though, since Heineman ran on illegal immigration in 2006, shouldnt we have seen results from his ideas and policies?
3:50 pm on September 4th, 2010
Yes, it ticks me off too. I also don’t have a problem with it morally since I’ve seen so much disrespect and greed (facts and evidence from property owners)
11:32 am on December 5th, 2010
“57% to 43%” The margin, though in favor of those who don’t want illegal immigrants, seems to be a close fight. It is not an overwhelming majority. If the margin was say 80% to 20%, well then that might be a clear statement against illegal immigrants.