New report reveals illegal immigrant population hit new high during Biden-era crisis
The number of illegal immigrants in the United States has reportedly surged to over 18 million following the Biden-era border crisis, according to a recent research report by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). This hawkish immigration group has found an 11% increase in less than two years, estimating that there are approximately 18.6 million illegal immigrants currently residing in the country as of March 2025.
This figure represents an 11% increase from the group’s previous estimate in June 2023, when they calculated that there were 16.8 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. Overall, the population of illegal immigrants has grown by 4.1 million or 28.2% since December 2020.
FAIR’s report highlights that the American population growth is heavily influenced by high levels of immigration, both legal and illegal. The group’s analysis indicates that there were around 11.7 million illegal immigrants in 2013, showcasing a significant increase over the past decade.
The Biden administration’s policies, including the expansion of humanitarian parole programs, have been identified as key factors driving the surge in illegal immigrant numbers. FAIR argues that individuals granted humanitarian parole, despite having a lawful presence, should not be classified as legal immigrants and therefore cannot be considered as legally residing in the country.
The report outlines that estimating the total number of illegal immigrants is a challenging task, as it involves compensating for undercounting and approximating figures based on census data. FAIR acknowledges the limitations of this process, stating that it is an inexact science.
Moreover, the report attributes the increase in illegal immigrant numbers to Biden-era policies, such as the release of migrants into the U.S. and alleged abuses of parole authority. In response, the Trump administration has reversed several Biden policies, terminated parole programs, and intensified efforts to deport illegal immigrants.
President Donald Trump has emphasized the success of these measures, noting a significant decrease in southern border encounters and the removal of over 55,000 illegal immigrants from the country. The administration has also deployed the military to the border and declared a national emergency to address the influx of illegal crossings.
Overall, the FAIR report sheds light on the complex challenges surrounding immigration and border security in the United States. As the debate continues, policymakers will need to consider various factors in addressing illegal immigration and ensuring the integrity of the nation’s borders.
