Lessons from the Last Immigration Reform

We could learn much from looking back at the results.  Here is a quick summary of one study by

Rob Paral & Associates


    
Click to see complete report . 

"The data analyzed in this report indicate that unauthorized immigrants who gained legal status in the 1980s through the legalization provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) experienced clear improvement in their socioeconomic situation. Between 1990 and 2006, the educational attainment of IRCA immigrants increased substantially, their poverty rates fell dramatically, and their home ownership rates improved tremendously. Moreover, their real wages rose, many of them moved into managerial positions, and the vast majority did not depend upon public assistance.  .... 
 Reforming our immigration system is not an obstacle to getting our economy back on track—it is part of the solution. "