A recent report from the Pew Research Center indicates that the number of unauthorized immigrants in the United States hit a historic high of 14 million in 2023, marking a significant rise during the Biden administration.
This study, released this week, highlights a notable increase over the past few years. The unauthorized immigrant population climbed from 10.2 million in 2020 to 11.8 million in 2022, following a rise from 10.5 million in 2021. Pew noted that the increase of 3.5 million over two years is unprecedented.
The previous highest recorded number of unauthorized immigrants was in 2007, at 12.2 million.
Pew’s analysis suggests that while 2023 shows a clear uptick in unauthorized immigration, preliminary data for 2024 points to continued growth, but possibly a decline in 2025. This could align with the end of Biden’s term and the potential start of Trump’s second term. The report also speculates that a drop of possibly one million in unlawful immigration might occur, partially due to deportations and tighter restrictions under the Trump administration. However, it still anticipates that the number will remain above the 2023 figures.
The study categorizes unauthorized immigrants broadly, including those who are naturalized citizens, legal permanent residents, asylum seekers, and others under specific statuses defined by immigration policies established in 1986.
Of the total 14 million unauthorized immigrants, about 6 million have some form of protection against deportation, while the remaining 8 million do not. This protected group includes asylum seekers and individuals under programs like DACA or temporary protected status.
Simon Hankinson from the Heritage Foundation commented that the findings reflect a crisis resulting from what he termed “Biden’s immigration policies.” He criticized the current administration’s handling of immigration, suggesting that it has led to unprecedented levels of unauthorized residents.
Hankinson also expressed concerns about the implications of such immigration levels, arguing that without proper assimilation, the current rates could lead to unsustainable social and economic conditions in the U.S.
In a different view, he mentioned that effective policy changes could lead to substantial reductions in illegal immigration. He claimed that within a brief period, over a million unauthorized immigrants could leave the U.S. on their own if the right measures are taken.
