Report Shows Fewer Illegal Immigrants in Georgia ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - The Pew Hispanic Center recently reported that the number of illegal immigrants living in Georgia has declined by more than ten percent. One immigration lawyer says the decline is due to stricter law enforcement and the state of Georgia's economy. WABE's Shomial Ahmad reports.

The Pew Hispanic Center estimates that there were 425,000 illegal immigrants in Georgia in 2009. That number is down by 50,000 when compared to 2008. Charles Kuck is the president of the Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers.

"One of the reasons you see a lot fewer undocumented immigrants since '07 is because of increased border enforcement, increased interior enforcement and a more difficult time getting in the United States."

Kuck also says Georgia's depressed economy and changes in visa regulations has led to fewer legal immigrants coming to Georgia.

"I was just meeting with a couple of Ph.D students from Georgia Tech. They're having a difficult in securing a visa in their field with an employer here."

Kuck's noticed the decline since the recession began in 2008.

Shomial Ahmad, WABE News.
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