Fact Check: The U.S. has a significant number of unauthorized immigrants.

Fact Check: The U.S. has a significant number of unauthorized immigrants

What We Know

Recent estimates from the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) indicate that the unauthorized immigrant population in the United States has grown significantly in recent years. Between 2019 and 2023, this population increased by approximately 3 million, averaging a growth rate of 6% per year. This marks the largest annual increases since the early 2000s. As of mid-2023, the unauthorized immigrant population is estimated to be around 11 million, which is below the peak of 12.2 million recorded in 2007 but still represents a substantial segment of the population.

The MPI's analysis reveals that nearly 27% of foreign-born residents in the U.S. are undocumented. The report also highlights that the demographics of unauthorized immigrants have shifted; while Mexico remains the leading country of origin, its share of the overall unauthorized population has decreased from 62% in 2010 to 40% in 2023. Notably, there has been a significant increase in unauthorized immigrants from Central America and South America, driven by factors such as economic instability and violence in their home countries (MPI).

Analysis

The claim that the U.S. has a significant number of unauthorized immigrants is supported by robust data from credible sources. The MPI's methodology for estimating the unauthorized immigrant population has been refined to address historical undercounts, making their findings more reliable. The report's authors, including Jenny Van Hook, a distinguished professor of sociology and demography, emphasize the complexities involved in accurately measuring this population, particularly given the evolving immigration dynamics since the COVID-19 pandemic (MPI).

Other studies, such as those conducted by the Pew Research Center, corroborate these findings, noting that the unauthorized immigrant population reached approximately 11 million in 2022. This consistency across multiple reputable sources strengthens the validity of the claim.

However, it is important to consider the potential biases in these studies. The MPI and Pew Research Center are both respected institutions in the field of immigration research, but their findings can be influenced by the methodologies employed and the political context in which they operate. For instance, the MPI includes individuals with temporary legal protections in its estimates, which some may argue complicates the definition of "unauthorized" (MPI). Nonetheless, the overall consensus among researchers is that the unauthorized immigrant population remains significant.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the U.S. has a significant number of unauthorized immigrants is substantiated by credible estimates indicating that approximately 11 million individuals fall into this category as of mid-2023. The growth of this population, particularly in recent years, reflects ongoing immigration trends influenced by various socio-economic factors. The data from MPI and corroborating sources provide a clear and compelling picture of the unauthorized immigrant landscape in the United States.

Sources

1. Estimates of the Unauthorized Alien Population Residing in the U.S.
2. New estimates reveal size and heterogeneity of unauthorized immigrant population
3. Measuring the Number of Unauthorized Immigrants in the U.S.
4. What we know about unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S.
5. Foreign-Born Number and Share of U.S. Population at All-Time Highs