The first study undertaken to give voice to undocumented immigrants living in the United States indicates that 83 percent of the 10 million from Latin America would be willing to solicit the Z Visa if Congress approves immigration reform.

The study will be presented in Washington by representatives of New America Media, one of the first and biggest associations of ethnic media in the United States, which was founded by the Pacific News Services, a nonprofit organization that has undertaken surveys of different ethnic groups since 2002.

Sergio Bendixen, director of the survey, which was conducted between June 9 – 19 of this year, indicated that 1,600 people were interviewed by telephone in Spanish. Some respondents had arrived from a Latin American country recently; others have been here for as long as five or 10 years.

“This survey shows us the interests these people who have no voice in the Senate immigration debate,” said Bendixen, who spoke yesterday with legislators from both parties who seemed very interested in the results. “This will be the first time that immigrants who live in the shadows have a voice in the Senate, and it will explain to the legislators how immigrants actually feel.”

“We have received a very good response from Congress and the White House. We hope that this clears up once and for all the fact that immigrants are interested in the initiative that is being discussed in Congress,” he emphasized.

Among the survey’s results, it was found that 94 percent of those interviewed are willing to take digital fingerprints and present their penal records.

In addition, 89 percent said that they would present their employment record with pleasure, 85 percent would register with a government office and declare that they had been living illegally in the country, and 83 percent would willingly pay the $3,000 fine plus $2,000 for each additional family member.

Bendixen indicated that the results contradict the opinions of many officials and some organizations that are against immigration reform who say that the large majority of undocumented immigrants will not comply with the requirements.

On the other hand, the percentage of immigrants who desire to obtain residency of citizenship dropped to 44 percent, while only 32 percent said maybe, and 22 percent showed little interest. Only 2 percent said they were not interested in obtaining U.S. residency.

Another controversial point is the fact that people have to return to their country of origin to complete the immigration process. However, and according to the results, 83 percent of those interviewed said they are willing to do so if their reentry into the United States were guaranteed.

Taking into account the costs of soliciting the Z Visa, becoming a resident and later a citizen, in addition to the years one would have to wait, only 71 percent said they were willing to wait up to 18 years to become a citizen. However, 92 percent said they were willing to wait to become residents.

The survey’s author indicated that it does not seem to be the cost that deters immigrants since they will have several years to save the money, but rather it’s the length of time that discourages some people.

Of all of the people who participated in the survey, 70% came from México, 22% from Central America, 5 percent from South America and 3 percent from the Dominican Republic. Of those surveyed, 44 percent lived in states such as California, whereas 34 percent lived in Southern states such as Texas, and the rest came from central or northeastern places such as Chicago and New York.

The complete results can be viewed on the webpage: www.newamericamedia.org/polls/undocumented