A number of data, information, and research needs must be met to ensure the proper implementation of a large-scale legalization program for the unauthorized population living in the U.S., according to a paper from the Center for Migration Studies of New York. The paper is the result of a MacArthur-supported convening of immigration specialists, researchers, scholars, and advocates to discuss data, information, and research that would be needed to ensure effective local outreach and service delivery to the unauthorized population, and assess the effects of legalization on immigrant integration, future immigration, and fiscal and economic life in the U.S. Within the discussion of these issues, the paper describes recent and potential efforts to develop methodologies, partnerships, and evaluation and tracking systems by different stakeholders and organizations to ensure and assess the short- and long-term effectiveness of legalization efforts.
