Monthly data collected by the Census Bureau through May 2008 shows a significant decline in the number of less-educated, young Hispanic immigrants in the country. The evidence indicates that the illegal immigrant population may have declined by over one million in the last year. There are strong indications immigration enforcement is responsible for at least part of the decline. The economy also is likely playing a role. Among the findings: � Our best estimate is that the illegal immigrant population has declined by 11 percent though May 2008 after hitting a peak in August 2007. � The implied decline in the illegal population is 1.3 million since last summer, from 12.5 million to 11.2 million today.
