In a heated debate of Immigration reform, it can be easy to fall under false pretenses made by the media. The media are an informational tool for this country in which almost all of us use everyday. It is our main source of information. But how can we be prepared for the world or even properly informed when the thing we most rely on can be wrong or even biased? Upon research, we came across a video by Fox 5 of Atlanta, in which they spotlighted companies who hire undocumented immigrants, which were all of the Mexican race. In the video, the terms "Illegal Immigrant," "Undocumented Workers," "Illegal Workers," and "Illegal Aliens" are all used. All, but the term "Undocumented Woker" serve as a negative stereotype on Americans. The terms are derogatory towards immigrants and are not politically correct.One of the best examples of the term "truthiness" lies within the case of political figure Meg Whitman. In an article title "Meg Whitmans Lack of Truthiness on Immigration," Whitman is exposed as a walking parodox. The article focuses on Whitman's self-contradicting statements on immigration surrounding her 2010 bid for California Governor. Over the years, Whitman has had somewhat of a roller-coaster stance on immigration. She has had a house-maid for nine years, firing her before the election because she was an undocumented worker. Although in a interview, it turns out Whitman has known her maid was illegal since 2003. But she probably figured no one else would take the job right? Right.
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UC Santa Barabara's Affirmative Action and Diversity Project's web page for research:
Basic Facts about Immigration
How many undocumented people are currently in the United States?
Approximately 11.5 to 12 million people in March 2006.
How many undocumented people in the U.S. are employed?
Approximately 7.2 million in March 2005 (at that time, it is estimated that there were a total of 11.1 million undocumented people in the U.S., including children and dependants of undocumented workers). The 7.2 million represents 4.9% of the civilian workforce. The total labor force at the time was estimated to be 148 million workers.
What kinds of jobs do the undocumented workers hold?
They make up a large share of all workers in a few more detailed occupational categories, including 24% of all workers employed in farming jobs, 17% in cleaning, 36% in insulation installation, 29% in roofing and drywall installation, 27% of butchers and other food processing. (All figures refer to March 2005.)
What proportion of the undocumented population has migrated to the U.S. recently?
One third of the undocumented population has been in the U.S. for more than ten years. 40% of the population has been in the U.S. five years or less. (All figures refer to March 2005.)
What are the countries of origin for the undocumented people?
Of the total in 2005, 56% were from Mexico, 22% from the remainder of Latin America (especially Central America). South and East Asia are also significant contributors to the undocumented population.
What are the family characteristics of the undocumented people in the U.S.?
In 2005, the undocumented population included 5.4 million adult males (49% of the population), 3.9 million adult females (35% of the population) and 1.8 million children (16% of the total).
How many U.S. families (immediate families) have an undocumented parent and/or spouse?
6.6 million families in the United States (March 2005).
How many U.S family members (native, documented and undocumented) have an undocumented (immediate) relative?
14. 6 million people (March 2005).
How many children who are U.S. citizens by birth are living in families with one or more undocumented parents?
3.1 million children (March 2005).
How do undocumented people enter the U.S.?
Approximately 40% of the undocumented people living in the U.S. originally entered the country with non-immigrant visas. These people have become "undocumented" by overstaying their visas.
(Sources: Pew Hispanic Center, Immigration and Naturalization Services)
