Fact Check: 1 million illegal

Fact Check: "1 million illegal"

What We Know

The claim that "1 million illegal" refers to the estimated decrease in the illegal immigrant population in the United States, which reportedly dropped by about 1 million individuals between January and May 2025. This estimate comes from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), which stated that the illegal immigrant population fell from approximately 15.4 million to 14.8 million during this period (source-4, source-6). The decline has been attributed to a combination of factors, including increased enforcement measures and a campaign encouraging voluntary departures, referred to as "self-deportation" (source-4, source-8).

Analysis

The claim of a 1 million decrease in the illegal immigrant population is supported by multiple reports, including those from CIS and other media outlets (source-3, source-5). However, it is essential to consider the reliability of these sources. The Center for Immigration Studies is known for its advocacy of stricter immigration policies, which may introduce a bias in its reporting. While the data it presents is based on household surveys from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the interpretation of these figures can be influenced by the organization's policy stance (source-6).

Moreover, the claim that many undocumented immigrants "self-deported" due to increased enforcement measures under the Trump administration is also contested. Critics argue that such claims oversimplify the complex reasons behind migration patterns and may not fully account for the fear and reluctance of undocumented immigrants to participate in surveys, which could lead to underreporting (source-4, source-5).

Additionally, other sources indicate that the overall trend of undocumented immigration has been decreasing since late 2023, suggesting that the decline may not solely be attributable to recent policy changes but rather part of a longer-term trend (source-2).

Conclusion

The claim that "1 million illegal" refers to a decrease in the illegal immigrant population in the U.S. is Partially True. While there is credible evidence supporting the estimate of a 1 million reduction, the context and implications of this data are complex. The figures are derived from sources that may have inherent biases, and the reasons behind the decline are multifaceted, involving both policy changes and broader trends in immigration. Therefore, while the numerical claim is accurate, the broader narrative surrounding it requires careful consideration of various factors.