LOS ANGELES—A new study estimates that there are approximately 267,000 LGBT-identified individuals among the adult undocumented immigrant population and an estimated 637,000 LGBT-identified individuals among the adult documented immigrant population.
The study, led by Dr. Gary J. Gates, Williams Distinguished Scholar and an expert in the demographic, geographic, and economic characteristics of the LGBT population, estimates the number of LGBT-identified adult (age 18+) undocumented and documented immigrants and describes some of their characteristics.
The report finds that approximately 71 percent of undocumented LGBT adults are Hispanic and 15 percent of undocumented LGBT adults are Asian or Pacific Islander.
Gates said of the study, "An estimated 900,000 adults in this country are LGBT immigrants, among whom more than 48,000 are in a same-sex couple in which one or both spouses or partners are not US citizens. Under current immigration policies, many of these couples, along with the 24,000 children they are raising, may face separation if same-sex spouses or partners are not able to sponsor each other for a work visa."
"LGBT Adult Immigrants in the United States" suggests that 3.1 percent of undocumented immigrant men identify as LGBT compared to 2 percent of comparable women. LGBT undocumented immigrants are younger than the broader undocumented population. Nearly half (49 percent) of LGBT undocumented immigrants are estimated to be under age 30 compared to 30 percent of all undocumented immigrants.
Key findings regarding adult undocumented immigrants include:
-There are an estimated 267,000 LGBT-identified individuals among the adult undocumented immigrant population, approximately 2.7 percent.
-Relative to all undocumented immigrants, LGBT undocumented immigrants are more likely to be male and are younger.
-71 percent of undocumented LGBT adults are Hispanic.
-15 percent of undocumented LGBT adults are Asian or Pacific Islander.
Key findings regarding adult documented immigrants include:
-There are an estimated 637,000 LGBT-identified individuals among the adult documented immigrant population, approximately 2.4 percent.
-Like their undocumented counterparts, LGBT documented immigrants are more likely to be male and are younger.
-30 percent of documented LGBT adults are Hispanic.
-35 percent of documented LGBT adults are Asian or Pacific Islander.
Key findings regarding same-sex couples that include a foreign born spouse or partner:
-There are an estimated 113,300 foreign born individuals (naturalized citizens and non-citizens) who are part of a same-sex couple. An estimated 54,600 of these individuals are not US citizens.
-An estimated 32,300 same-sex couples are binational (one US citizen and one non-citizen) along with 11,700 same-sex couples comprised of two non-citizens.
-Nearly 7,000 same-sex couples that include two non-citizens (58 percent) are raising an estimated 12,400 children under age 18.
The Pew Research Hispanic Center estimates that there are 36.4 million foreign born adult (age 18 and older) immigrants living in the United States. Of that group, an estimated 10.1 million are undocumented and 26.3 million are documented. The analyses derive estimates using three data sources: Pew Hispanic Research Center data on foreign born adults in the US, Gallup Daily Tracking Survey, and the Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
The study can be viewed here williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/LGBTImmigrants-Gates-Mar-2013.pdf .
New Poll Shows Overwhelming Latino Support for Inclusion of Gay Families in Immigration Reform
Most Latino Catholics & Evangelicals Support Ending Discrimination Against Binational Couples
Washington, DC — A new Immigration Equality/Latino Decisions poll of Latino voters shows strong support for immigration reform legislation that includes lesbian and gay binational couples. Support for ending the separation and exile faced by LGBT Americans who are unable to sponsor their partners for residency is strong among Latino Catholic and Evangelical voters as well.
The poll, released today, shows that 64% of Latinos favor inclusive immigration reform. When asked "how important is it that comprehensive immigration reform apply to gay and lesbian couples," 92% of those who expressed support felt it was very or somewhat important that immigration reform include lesbian and gay binational couples. Support for inclusion of those families also crossed faith lines, with 71% of Catholics, and 53% of Born-Again Christians supporting an inclusive immigration reform bill. Both U.S.-born (63%) and Foreign-Born (65%) Latino voters also expressed support.
"Immigration reform is more important to Latino voters than any other issue, and Latino Americans want that reform to include all families," said Rachel B. Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality. "Latino voters, like most voters, see family as family, whether gay or straight. These results underscore that an inclusive bill will have broad and deep support among people of faith. While some are using scare tactics about border security and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community to distract from common-sense reform, our poll shows those tactics are nothing more than fear mongering. Among those most committed to fixing our broken immigration system, LGBT families have overwhelming support."
Poll Results
Q1. As part of the immigration process, one member of a married couple who is a citizen is allowed to sponsor the other for residency. As part of the current debate regarding immigration reform, one proposal is that citizens who are lesbian or gay would also have the right to sponsor their partner for residency. Would you favor or oppose allowing gay and lesbian citizens to sponsor partners for residency?
Total Favor-64%
Total Oppose-24%
Q2. [Among those who favor in Q1, above] In your view, how important is it that comprehensive immigration reform apply to gay and lesbian couples as well?
Very-63%
Somewhat-29%
Catholic
62% Very Important
32% Somewhat Important
Born-Again
61% Very Important
31% Somewhat Important
Q3. Forty-seven percent of gay and lesbian mixed-status couples are raising a U.S. citizen child. Given this information, how important is it that these children be able to keep both of their parents in the U.S.?
Very-62%
Somewhat-16%
Catholic
70% Very Important
14% Somewhat Important
Born-Again
57% Very Important
15% Somewhat Important
Methodology: Latino Decisions interviewed 500 Latino citizens registered to vote, randomly selected nation-wide. Latinos were identified through a process that moves beyond surname and employs other markers of hispanicity, then screened for self-identification. Calls were made using both cell phones and landlines, and respondents were interviewed in language of choice, determined at the top of each call. The margin-of-error is +/- 4.4%.
Immigration Equality is a national organization fighting for equality under U.S. immigration law for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and HIV-positive individuals.
Latino Decisions is the leader in Latino political opinion research. Founded by professors of political science, Dr. Gary M. Segura and Dr. Matt Barreto, the firm leverages a unique combination of analytical expertise and cultural competencies that are unparalleled in the industry. The team is comprised exclusively of credentialed research scientists with established publication records, rigorous methodological training, and experience with large-scale collaborative research projects. They employ professional insights and specialized technical skills to produce the most accurate information about Latino political attitudes, experiences and engagement.
