illegal immigrants

Illegal immigrant populations are shrinking in New York, Florida and the Mountain West state as undocumented workers relocate to states that offer more promise of finding work, such as Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. And overall, the drop in immigration has stabilized.

Is Arizona's "Legal Arizona Workers Act" -- which targets employers who knowingly employ illegal immigrants -- preempted by federal laws? The Supreme Court has agreed to hear challenges to the law on Wednesday. A final ruling is months away.

U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton threw a monkey wrench into the deeply contentious debate over illegal immigration by declaring parts of Arizona's controversial immigration law to be unconstitutional. Backers of the bill, including Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, vow to keep fighting.

Polls show a link between the 8 million jobs lost during the Great Recession and a hostile attitude toward immigrants. These problems are adding to the pressure for new immigration policies -- and new jobs.

In an attempt to get out in front of the growing controversy about illegal immigration, President Obama on Thursday outlined key principles that he believes can lead to comprehensive reform legislation and tighter border security. One thing he says is key: Republican support.

Most Americans agree the nation's immigration policy needs revamping -- but disagree on whether undocumented workers benefit or hurt the economy. Clearing up common misconceptions would help in developing good policy changes.

It's off the radar screen for now, given the U.S. recession and the dearth of job openings in the states, but the debate over the nation's undocumented workers and illegal immigrants is likely to heat up once the recovery starts. More important, it's one issue that Americans will have to arrive at...