A number of recent immigration changes and trends have occurred in Nevada. For example, a rally was scheduled for May 1 in downtown Las Vegas to raise awareness about worker’s rights and immigration rights. The rally was scheduled for 4:30 at the Village Square Commercial Center and protestors were expected to march the Federal Court House. There is actually a history of immigration marches in Nevada and in Las Vegas. In 2006, about 50,000 protestors marched the Las Vegas Strip to raise awareness about immigration issues. Most years, there are immigration marches, but numbers have not been as high as they were in 2006. Organizers of this year’s march hope for better numbers this year, since it is an election year and since immigration reform is a major topic in the media.
Nevada is also keeping a close watch on the US Supreme Court, as is the rest of the country, as the Supreme Court considers Arizona’s SB 1070. Arizona’s immigration law is considered among the toughest in the country, requiring immigrants to carry documented proof of their status and requiring police to check the documents of those they think may be in the country illegally. Many have protested the laws and the laws have been challenged in lower courts, but early indications suggest that the Supreme Court may uphold some or all of the law. Experts are already predicting that if the Supreme Court does this it may pave the way for other states to impose tough immigration laws.
Another important development in immigration has been the release of a new report by the Pew Hispanic Center. The report suggest that net immigration from Mexico to the US has dropped to net zero, with an equal number of immigrants leaving or being deported matching those entering the country from Mexico. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, the trend may be the result of tougher border and immigration enforcement, as well as weaker US economy. Changes in Mexico’s economy, lower birth rates in Mexico, and the more dangerous aspect of undocumented border crossings may also have impacted the numbers, according to the group.
In addition to the Pew Hispanic Center, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has also released a report. That report takes a look at the weapons that are being seized in Mexico. According to the report, between 2007 and 2011, 69% of the weapons confiscated by the ATF in Mexico came from the US. According to the report, the drug trade in Mexico has caused criminals to smuggle in and use more powerful weapons than were seen a few years ago.