Summary
A report by the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) found that most undocumented immigrants in the U.S. have lived there for over five years, with the total population rising to 13.7 million in 2023. The study highlights changes in immigration patterns and challenges faced by recent U.S. administrations in managing these issues.
Key Facts
- In 2023, undocumented immigrants were just over a quarter of the total U.S. immigrant population.
- The undocumented population grew to 13.7 million in 2023, a 3 million increase from 2019.
- The population increase followed the COVID-19 pandemic recovery period.
- Migration patterns showed more immigrants from South America and the Caribbean, although Mexicans remained the largest group at 40%.
- Almost half of undocumented immigrants have lived in the U.S. for over 20 years.
- The construction industry employed about 1.9 million undocumented immigrants in 2023.
- Four states—California, New York, Florida, and Texas—were home to half of the undocumented population.
- Many undocumented immigrants lived in poverty, although 31% reported home ownership.
