Note: please note that this issue brief should (a) link back to the issue overview on this topic, (b) be focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (c) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items.  See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you. 

Goal Statement

• Link here to the Victim Rights for Undocumented Residents overview page for the goal statement related to this issue brief 

Scope of the Problem  factual statements on the extent of the problem in the past, current, or future

• In 2008 the estimated number of undocumented residents in the United States was 11.9 million.^[1]   
• The numbers divide into approximately 7 million undocumented immigrants from Mexico, 1.3 million from Central America, 775,000 from South America, 500,000 from the Caribbean, 1.3 million from South and East Asia, and 190,000 from the Middle East .^[2]
• Undocumented residents live primarily in eight states: Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and North Carolina. ^[3]
• Undocumented immigrants are less likely to depend on the law enforcement because they fear deportation, lack confidence in law enforcement, and may be uninformed about available resources.^[4]
   

Past Policy  key legislation and milestones including significant policy and funding shifts, major studies, etc.

Current Policy  summary of current policies in the form of legislation, programs, and funding

Policy Options   

• Link here to the Victim Rights for Undocumented Residents overview page for the policy options and/or model programs related to this issue brief 

Key Organizations/Individuals   contacts for public and private organizations and key individuals

• Non-Profit 

  • Legal Momentum- A national organization protects and fights for the rights and liberties of women.  Applicable to undocumented female immigrants who are victims of abuse and crime.

  • National Council of La Raza - A non-profit organization for Latino civil rights and advocacy. 

  •            National Immigrant Justice Center - An organization dedicated to providing legal services and advocating for the human rights of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.  

  • Office for Victims of Crime - A division of the Department of Justice that serves victims of crime and has collaborated with the INS to develop a victim- witness program.  

  • The Pew Charitable Trusts - A nonprofit organization that focuses on public policy and civic life.  The organization is composed of various subgroups, such as the Pew Hispanic Center, that are present in different states including New Jersey.  

  • The State Office of Victim Witness Advocacy - A section of the Division of Criminal Justice defends victims, witnesses, and their families.

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• Elected Leaders

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Glossary of Terms

• Link here to the Victim Rights for Undocumented Residents overview page for the glossary of terms related to this issue brief 

Bibliography   web sites, reports, articles, and other reference material 

Footnotes

1. Chapman, J. (2009, April 15). Undocumented residents in U.S. levels, study says. Retrieved May 2009, from Tri-City Herald: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/kennewick_pasco_richland/story/544280.html ▲
2. Chapman, J. (2009, April 15). Undocumented residents in U.S. levels, study says. Retrieved May 2009, from Tri-City Herald: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/kennewick_pasco_richland/story/544280.html ▲
3. Passel, J. S. (2005, March 21). Estimate of the Size and Characteristics of the Undocumented Population. Retrieved May 2009, from Illegal Aliens: http://illegalaliens.us/images/44.pdf ▲
4. Office for Victims of Crime. (2007, March 7). Office for Victims of Crime Fact Sheet. Retrieved May 2009, from Office of Justice Programs: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/factshts/interact.htm ▲