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ImmigrationProf Blog
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Study Shows Sharp Rise in Latino Federal Convicts

By immigrationprof

104 It is not really surprising but the sharp increase in enforcement of the criminal immigration laws has dramatically altered the ethnic composition of offenders sentenced in federal courts. In 2007, Latinos accounted for 40 percent of all those convicted of federal crimes and one third of all federal prison inmates, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center.   For the NY Times report on teh study, click here.

Accoring to the study, Latinos, who are 13% of the U.S. adult population, accounted for 40% of all sentenced federal offenders in 2007—up from 24% in 1991. Immigration offenses now represent about one-quarter of all federal convictions, compared with 7% in 1991. Most Latinos with federal sentences are not U.S. citizens. Hispanics are more likely to receive a prison term but it is generally shorter than prison terms for whites and blacks.

UPDATE:  Roberto Lovato’s take on the report (“The Age of Crimmigration“) is well worth reading.

KJ