Geographic Distribution of Undocumented Immigrants: Estimates of Undocumented Aliens Counted in the 1980 Census by State

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Abstract
This article presents estimates of the number of undocumented aliens counted in the 1980 census for each state and the District of Columbia. The estimates, which indicate that 2.06 million undocumented aliens were counted in the 1980 census, are not based on individual records, but are aggregate estimates derived by a residual technique. The census count of aliens (modified somewhat to account for deficiencies in the data) is compared with estimates of the legally resident alien population based on data collected by the Immigration and Naturalization Service in January 1980. The final estimates represent extensions to the state level of national estimates developed by Warren and Passel (1984). Estimates are developed for each of the states for selected countries of birth and for age, sex, and period of entry categories. The article describes the origins of the undocumented alien population, as well as some of their demographic characteristics. Some of the implications of the numbers and distribution of undocumented aliens are also discussed.