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The Number of Illegal Immigrants in the US

The Number of Illegal Immigrants in the US

The Issue of Illegal Immigration in the US: A Comprehensive Overview

Immigration to the United States of America has always been a hotly-debated and divisive issue. While the US has been a land of opportunity, and has welcomed immigrants from all over the world, the issue of undocumented or illegal immigration is one that has been a constant thorn in the side of the US government.

Illegal immigration refers to the illegal entry of people into a country. It is a problem that is not unique to the US. However, the US faces some of the most severe challenges in dealing with the issue of illegal immigration, primarily because of its land border with Mexico. There is no doubt that illegal immigration constitutes a serious issue for the US, but the extent of the problem is the subject of much debate, with estimates varying greatly. In this article, we will look at the numbers, the causes, and the consequences of illegal immigration in the US.

Current estimates of the number of illegal immigrants in the US

The exact number of illegal immigrants currently residing in the US is notoriously difficult to pin down. According to Pew Research, there are approximately 11.1 million unauthorized immigrants in the US, down from a peak of about 12.2 million in 2007. The drop in the number of illegal immigrants can be attributed to several factors, such as the economic downturn of 2008 and the increased immigration enforcement by the US government.

Other estimates, however, suggest that the actual number of illegal immigrants could be much higher. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), for instance, estimates that there are up to 14 million illegal immigrants in the US. The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) also noted that the number of illegal immigrants could be higher than estimated, given the challenges in accurately counting the number of illegal immigrants.

A significant number of illegal immigrants in the US are from Mexico. Despite this, there has been a decline in the number of Mexican immigrants coming to the US illegally. Pew Research noted that in 2016, there were more immigrants from Asia than from Mexico.

The majority of undocumented immigrants come from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The number of undocumented immigrants from Asia, the Caribbean, and Central America has also increased, while the number of immigrants from Mexico has decreased. Mexican immigrants still make up the largest share of the unauthorised population at the moment.

Causes of illegal immigration to the US

There are multiple factors contributing to illegal immigration to the US.

Economic Factors

Economic factors are the main driver of illegal immigration to the US. In many cases, undocumented immigrants come to the US in search of better job opportunities and a chance to earn a better income. The US is the world’s largest economy, and its reputation as the land of opportunity is well-known. For many people in developing countries, moving to the US for work opportunities is a dream.

Political Factors

Political factors such as instability, conflict, and persecution in a person’s home country can also lead to illegal immigration. Many immigrants come to the US fleeing violence, persecution, or danger in their home country. This is particularly true for people from countries such as Syria or Venezuela, who are fleeing civil unrest and political turmoil.

Social Factors

Social factors, such as family reunification, also contribute to illegal immigration. Many undocumented immigrants come to the US to be with their families who are already living here.

Consequences of illegal immigration in the US

Illegal immigration has a significant impact on the US economy, society, and government. The consequences of illegal immigration are complex and far-reaching. Here are some of the most significant consequences.

Economic Impact

Illegal immigration has both positive and negative impacts on the US economy. On the positive side, many undocumented immigrants work jobs that many Americans do not want, such as working in agriculture or construction. These jobs are essential to the US economy, and immigrants help keep these industries running.

On the negative side, illegal immigration can also have a negative impact on the US economy. Undocumented immigrants often work for less than minimum wage, and they may not receive the same benefits as American workers. This can create unfair competition for American businesses and can lower wages for American workers in some cases.

Social Impact

Illegal immigration can also have a significant impact on US society. Undocumented immigrants who come to the US often form their own communities, and they may not integrate into American society as well as other immigrants. This can create social tension, and can also lead to cultural changes that some Americans may not be comfortable with.

Government Impact

Illegal immigration can also have a significant impact on the US government. Undocumented immigrants may not pay taxes or contribute to social security, and this can create a significant burden on the US government. At the same time, the US government is responsible for ensuring that undocumented immigrants are not exploited by employers, and this can be challenging.

US government’s response to illegal immigration

The US government has taken several steps to address the issue of illegal immigration. Here are some of the most important measures.

Border Security

One of the most visible measures to address illegal immigration is border security. The US government has invested billions of dollars in securing the US-Mexico border. This has included building walls and fences, deploying Border Patrol agents, and using technology such as drones and surveillance cameras.

Immigration Enforcement

The US government has also increased its efforts to enforce immigration laws. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is responsible for enforcing immigration laws. Under the Trump administration, ICE expanded its efforts to target undocumented immigrants who had committed crimes, including those convicted of minor offenses. This led to several high-profile deportation cases and created controversy around the country.

Immigration policy

There have been several attempts to reform US immigration policy. For instance, the Obama administration proposed the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, which provides legal protection for young immigrants who came to the US as children. Similarly, the Trump administration proposed several changes to US immigration policy, including a merit-based system that would prioritize highly-skilled immigrants.

Conclusion

Illegal immigration remains one of the most challenging issues facing the US today. The extent of the problem is difficult to pin down, and the debate around the issue is often divisive. While there is no easy solution to the problem, the US government has taken several steps to address the issue. Ultimately, the solution to the problem of illegal immigration will require a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of illegal immigration, while also protecting the interests of both American workers and undocumented immigrants.


Illegal immigration is an undertaking that occurs on a daily basis in the United States. Figures estimate that the current population of illegal immigrants in the country is between 12 and 20 million. However, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency remains busy patrolling and apprehending those participating in illegal immigration, often capturing many in one single day.

As of 2009, the ICE reported that there were a total of 534,497 individuals participating in immigration to the United States under illegal means. All of these individuals participating in illegal immigration would be released and deported to their countries of origin. In 2010, the number has been estimated to be at 506,232, which is bound to grow consider how often illegal immigration to the United States occurs.