The Effects of 287(g) and Sanctuary City Agreements on the Foreign-born Population in the United States

Nadia Y. Flores-Yeffal , Texas Tech University
Maria Aysa-Lastra, Winthrop University
Hanna Spevak, Winthrop University

In this study, we explore the effects of the adoption of section 287 (g) which allows local police officers to arrest immigrants and process them for deportation as if they were immigration or ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents. Using census and American Community Survey data for the years, 2,000, 2010 & 2016, we compare the social and economic characteristics of the foreign-born population (citizens and non-citizens) who live in counties which have adopted the 287 (g) to those who live in adjacent counties with similar number of residents, and to sanctuary cities. We also test the theory of migration-trust networks which argues that undocumented immigrants segregate themselves to cope with their unlawful status and experience social and economic disadvantage. Preliminary data analysis suggests that the foreign-born immigrants who live in the 287 (g) counties experienced social and economic disadvantage compared to other types of counties during those years.

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 Presented in Session 7. Migration & Urbanization