The Pew Hispanic Center estimates that Rhode Island's "unauthorized population" has remained steady, and there is a chance it may have declined.  The Center estimates there are 30,000 "undocumented immigrants" living in Rhode Island, which accounts for 2.8 percent of the state's population.  Therefore, 1 out of every 36 people in Rhode Island are undocumented immigrants, or my preferred term, illegal aliens.  Think about that for a second.  Think about how much larger that number must be in urban areas, such as Providence or Pawtucket. 

     The report certainly isn't good news, but I am glad the number of illegal aliens in Rhode Island didn't increase.  I'm hoping Governor Carcieri's executive order will continue to make Rhode Island an inhospitable place for those who choose to break the law.  Let's also remember that "unauthorized" is just a nice way of saying illegal.