Illegal Migrant Population in the U.S.
According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform, nearly 19 million undocumented migrants currently reside in the United States.
Since their last estimate in December 2020, the illegal migrant population has increased by 4.1 million, a rise of about 28.2 percent. This surge signals an unprecedented influx of undocumented immigration during the Biden administration, as reported on Wednesday.
This higher estimate intensifies pressure on GOP leaders and, notably, Donald Trump, who are facing calls from business interests to reconsider the deportation of undocumented individuals. These deportations appear to be both popular and advantageous for many Americans, particularly with the 2026 mid-term elections approaching.
Members of the GOP have offered uncertain statements regarding whether they plan to ease enforcement against a large number of non-violent, employed migrants.
“We encountered some challenges with certain Hispanic and Latino voters because some felt the immigration enforcement was too aggressive,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) mentioned on March 10. “But the positive aspect is that we’re currently adjusting our approach.”
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Ok), set to be the new head of Homeland Security, stands against any form of amnesty for migrants but has shown hesitation regarding his preferred deportation strategies.
The estimate of illegal migrants adds to an already significant annual influx of about 800,000 legal migrants, along with approximately 2.5 million temporary visa workers in various sectors.
The FAIR group clarified that their numbers exceed those from pro-migration groups due to several factors. Their figure of 18.6 million includes individuals who entered the U.S. unlawfully but have since received temporary documentation through Biden’s pro-migration policies.
Furthermore, the Census Bureau modified its approach to counting the migrant population during Biden’s administration:
The change in methodology from the Census Bureau reinforces FAIR’s long-held perspective that official data previously significantly underestimated the foreign-born population, including those undocumented. This undercount stems from the reliance on outdated Bureau estimates in the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) and Current Population Survey (CPS), which fail to accurately capture the foreign-born population unless adjustments are made.
Just a year ago, CPS estimates indicated that after four years of heightened immigration, the foreign-born population hit a historic high, exceeding 50 million. Recent reports noted this immigration wave was the largest in American history, overtaking the Ellis Island “Great Wave” era of the late 1800s, with at least 60 percent of those migrants being undocumented. Yet, due to the Census Bureau’s revisions, we now realize that even these figures were likely understated by millions.
Trump’s efforts to deport all undocumented migrants are reportedly benefiting the economy for everyday Americans, especially among working-class Latinos, who are experiencing wage increases across various sectors.
Data from federal sources and market trends suggest an uptick in wages and a decrease in housing costs. Additionally, inflation is subsiding, transportation expenses are reducing, crime rates are falling, and corporations are investing heavily in enhancing productivity for Americans. This overall economic growth could potentially encourage higher birth rates as families enjoy better financial conditions and confidence in their future.
