The Pew Research Center reported that the unauthorized immigrant population in the U.S. reached a record 14 million in 2023, with six states accounting for the majority, reflecting shifts in migration patterns and policy impacts. This surge was driven by increased arrivals from countries beyond Mexico and temporary protections under the Biden administration, though estimates suggest a potential decline in 2025.
Who: The report was conducted by the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan fact tank, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and the Department of Homeland Security. It focuses on unauthorized immigrants, defined as individuals living in the U.S. without legal status, including those who overstayed visas or entered illegally.
What: The key finding is that the population of unauthorized immigrants hit an all-time high of 14 million in 2023, up from previous years. This represents a significant increase, largely attributed to migration from regions other than Mexico, such as Central America, South America, and Asia. The report also notes that six states—California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois—are home to over half of this population, with California and Texas leading in numbers.
When: The data analyzed covers the year 2023, and the report was published on August 21, 2025. The findings are based on the most recent available data, with projections indicating changes into 2024 and 2025.
Where: The concentration of unauthorized immigrants is primarily in six states: California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. These states have historically been hubs for immigration due to economic opportunities and existing immigrant communities. The report highlights that while these states dominate, there is a trend of dispersal to other states like Nevada and Georgia.
Why: The increase in unauthorized immigration is driven by multiple factors, including economic instability and violence in home countries, as well as U.S. policies. Under the Biden administration, measures such as granting temporary protected status and humanitarian parole for asylum seekers contributed to the rise. Additionally, reduced enforcement and backlogs in immigration courts allowed more people to remain in the country without legal status.
How: Unauthorized immigrants enter the U.S. through various means, including illegal border crossings, often to seek asylum, or by overstaying visas. The report uses statistical modeling based on government data to estimate the population, accounting for those who are not captured in official records. It also considers factors like deportations and policy changes affecting legal status.
Impact: The record number of unauthorized immigrants has significant implications for the U.S. economy and society. Pew estimates that 9.7 million were part of the labor force in 2023, comprising about 5.6% of all workers, with concentrations in industries like agriculture, construction, and services. This affects wage dynamics and labor markets. Politically, the report fuels debates over immigration reform, border security, and integration policies, with responses varying from calls for stricter enforcement to pathways to citizenship.
What’s next: The report suggests that the unauthorized immigrant population may have begun to decline in 2025, possibly by up to 1 million people, due to policy shifts under the new administration, such as the suspension of protections for certain nationalities and increased enforcement. However, it remains elevated compared to pre-2023 levels. Future trends will depend on economic conditions, policy changes, and global migration patterns, with ongoing data collection needed to monitor these dynamics.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/immigration-pew-homeland-security-a2cf8f2f908c98ca17d383b57fd65daa