By Zulima Palacio
Washington
31 August 2007
 

A new study shows that the population of the United States will increase by more than 50 percent in the next half century, and that immigrants will account for more than 60 percent of that increase. The independent research group Center for Immigration Studies released the results of the study Thursday in Washington, D.C., and sponsored a panel discussion on the study's implications.  Producer Zulima Palacio has more on the story.  Jeffrey Young narrates it.

Steven Camarota

Camarota pointed out that his projections do not take into account any increases in immigration. "Net immigration has been increasing for five decades. If that trend continues, then immigration will add more than the 105 million projected from the current level. It is also worth noting that most of the 105 million comes from legal immigration."

Ben Wattenberg

Study author Steven Camarota said population growth can lead to a deteriorating quality of life in the United States, but  it does not have to. He said it could also lead better business opportunities. He said what the nation needs is a clear policy on immigration and population growth.