Number of Illegal Immigrants in the US: A Comprehensive Analysis

Executive Summary

The number of illegal immigrants in the United States has been a contentious issue for decades. In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the latest data and research to provide an up-to-date assessment of this complex topic. Our findings reveal that the size and composition of the unauthorized immigrant population are constantly evolving, influenced by a multitude of factors including economic conditions, geopolitical events, and immigration policies.

Estimated Number of Illegal Immigrants

Determining the precise number of illegal immigrants in the US is challenging due to the clandestine nature of their presence. However, various estimates have been made using different methodologies.

According to the Pew Research Center, there were an estimated 11.3 million unauthorized immigrants living in the United States in 2016. This figure represented approximately 3.4% of the total US population.

The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Immigration Statistics (OIS) estimated that there were 10.5 million unauthorized immigrants in the US in 2017. This estimate was based on data from the American Community Survey (ACS), which is a household survey conducted by the US Census Bureau.

Characteristics of Illegal Immigrants

The unauthorized immigrant population in the US is diverse in terms of its characteristics. According to the Pew Research Center, the majority of unauthorized immigrants are from Mexico (approximately 54%). Other major countries of origin include El Salvador (6%), Guatemala (5%), Honduras (4%), and China (3%).

Unauthorized immigrants are also more likely to be male (53%) than female (47%). The median age of unauthorized immigrants is 38 years old. The majority of unauthorized immigrants (62%) are between the ages of 25 and 44 years old.

Economic Impact of Illegal Immigrants

The economic impact of illegal immigrants is a complex and controversial topic. Some argue that unauthorized immigrants have a positive impact on the US economy by filling low-skill jobs and contributing to economic growth. Others argue that unauthorized immigrants have a negative impact on the US economy by taking jobs away from American workers and depressing wages.

According to a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, unauthorized immigrants have a mixed impact on the US economy. The study found that unauthorized immigrants increase the size of the labor force and contribute to economic growth. However, the study also found that unauthorized immigrants can have a negative impact on the wages of low-skilled American workers.

Social Impact of Illegal Immigrants

The social impact of illegal immigrants is also a complex and controversial topic. Some argue that unauthorized immigrants have a positive impact on American society by contributing to cultural diversity and strengthening communities. Others argue that unauthorized immigrants have a negative impact on American society by straining public resources and increasing crime.

According to a study by the Pew Research Center, unauthorized immigrants have a more difficult time integrating into American society than legal immigrants. Unauthorized immigrants are more likely to live in poverty, have lower levels of education, and be uninsured. Unauthorized immigrants are also more likely to be deported than legal immigrants.

Policy Implications

The issue of illegal immigration is a complex and challenging one that has no easy solutions. There is a wide range of opinions on how to address this issue, ranging from increasing border security to providing a path to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants.

The Trump administration has taken a hardline approach to illegal immigration, increasing border security and cracking down on unauthorized immigrants. The Biden administration has taken a more moderate approach, prioritizing the deportation of criminals and providing a path to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants who meet certain criteria.

Conclusion

The number of illegal immigrants in the US is a complex and dynamic issue that is shaped by a multitude of factors. The unauthorized immigrant population is diverse in terms of its characteristics, including country of origin, age, and gender. The economic and social impact of illegal immigrants is a complex and controversial topic. There is a wide range of opinions on how to address this issue, ranging from increasing border security to providing a path to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants.