In 2022, the unauthorized immigrant population in the United States reached 11 million, according to estimates from the Pew Research Center based on the 2022 American Community Survey. This increases from 10.5 million in 2021 marks the first sustained rise in unauthorized immigration since the period between 2005 and 2007. Despite this increase, the current population remains below the peak of 12.2 million observed in 2007. The growth in unauthorized immigration comes amid record levels of border encounters and a significant rise in asylum applications.
KEY FINDINGS
Recent Population Trends
The unauthorized immigrant population saw a notable increase in 2022, reversing a long-term decline that had been in place since 2007. This recent rise contrasts with the previous downward trend and reflects changes in migration patterns and policies.
Regional and Demographic Shifts
- Geographic Distribution: The population of unauthorized immigrants from Mexico dropped to 4.0 million in 2022 from a peak of 6.9 million in 2007. Mexico remains the most common country of origin, but its share has diminished. Unauthorized immigrants from other regions, including the Caribbean, South America, Asia, Europe, and sub-Saharan Africa, increased between 2019 and 2022.
- State-Level Changes: Unauthorized immigrant populations grew in six states from 2019 to 2022: Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. In contrast, California saw a decrease.
- Workforce Impact: In 2022, approximately 8.3 million unauthorized immigrants were part of the U.S. workforce, up from 7.4 million in 2019. This figure matches previous highs seen in 2008 and 2011.
HOUSEHOLD DYNAMICS
Unauthorized immigrants live in 6.3 million households across the U.S., encompassing over 22 million individuals. Here are key facts about these households:
- Mixed Status: About 70% of these households are considered “mixed status,” meaning they also include lawful immigrants or U.S.-born residents.
- Family Relationships: In 86% of these households, either the householder or their spouse is an unauthorized immigrant. Approximately 5% of these households contain unauthorized immigrants who are not related to the householder or spouse.
- Children: Around 4.4 million U.S.-born children under 18 live with an unauthorized immigrant parent, making up 84% of all minor children in such households.
CHANGING ORIGINS OF UNAUTHORIZED IMMIGRANTS
Shifts in Source Countries
- Mexico: The number of unauthorized immigrants from Mexico decreased to 4.0 million in 2022, reflecting a broader decline in migration from Mexico and increased opportunities for lawful immigration.
- Other Countries: Unauthorized immigrants from countries other than Mexico grew significantly from 5.8 million in 2019 to 6.9 million in 2022. Notable increases came from the Caribbean, Europe, and Canada.
- Central America: The population from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala collectively reached 1.9 million in 2022, accounting for 18% of the total unauthorized immigrant population.
Emerging Trends
- Venezuela: Unauthorized immigrants from Venezuela saw rapid growth, reaching 270,000 in 2022. This trend is expected to continue with new entry methods becoming available.
- Other Countries: Unauthorized immigrant populations from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, India, and former Soviet Union countries also increased recently.
UNAUTHORIZED IMMIGRANTS IN THE U.S. WORKFORCE
Unauthorized immigrants constituted about 4.8% of the U.S. workforce in 2022, a slight decrease from the peak of 5.4% in 2007. This share remains within a relatively narrow range of 4.4% to 5.4% observed since 2003.
The growth of the unauthorized immigrant population in the U.S. to 11 million in 2022 reflects significant shifts in migration patterns and demographics. The rise in unauthorized immigration is influenced by various factors, including increased border encounters and changes in asylum policies. Understanding these trends is crucial for policymakers as they address the complexities of immigration and its impact on the U.S. workforce and society.
The ongoing changes in immigration patterns and the introduction of new programs for certain nationalities suggest that the composition of the unauthorized immigrant population will continue to evolve. Monitoring these developments will be essential for shaping future immigration policies and managing the associated social and economic impacts.