Unauthorized immigrant numbers reached highest on record under Biden: report
Unauthorized Immigrant Population in the U.S. Hits Record High in 2023
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A recent report by the Pew Research Center has revealed that the unauthorized immigrant population in the United States has reached an all-time high of 14 million in 2023, during the Biden administration.
The study, released this week, highlights a significant increase in the unauthorized immigrant population, which grew from 10.2 million in 2020 to 11.8 million in 2022, marking a record growth over two consecutive years.
The surge in unauthorized immigrants, totaling 3.5 million in just two years, is the largest increase on record, according to Pew.
Comparatively, the previous peak in unauthorized immigrants was recorded in 2007, with 12.2 million individuals.
Pew’s analysis suggests that while 2023 represents the latest year with comprehensive data, early indications point to continued growth in 2024 followed by a decline in 2025, coinciding with the transition from the Biden administration to the second term of President Donald Trump.
Factors contributing to the potential decrease in unauthorized immigrants include heightened deportations and reduced protections under the Trump administration, leading to an estimated 1 million decline in the population. Nevertheless, Pew asserts that the unauthorized immigrant numbers likely remain above 2023 levels.
The study defines unauthorized immigrants as individuals who are not naturalized citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, temporary legal residents, or former unauthorized immigrants granted legal status under the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act.
Implications and Policy Perspectives
Asylum-seeking migrants wait in line to receive donated food, with a rainbow in the distance, at a makeshift camp while awaiting processing by the U.S. Border Patrol on Nov. 30, 2023, in Jacumba Hot Springs, California. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Of the 14 million unauthorized immigrants, Pew reports that 6 million have some form of protection from deportation, while 8 million do not. Those afforded protection include asylum applicants, individuals with temporary immigration parole, crime victims, temporary protective status holders, DACA recipients, and border releases.
Simon Hankinson, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, comments on the study, attributing the surge in unauthorized immigrants to President Biden’s immigration policies. He emphasizes the need for effective immigration enforcement to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration.
Hankinson also notes that the current foreign-born population in the U.S. stands at a historic high of nearly 16%, raising concerns about the sustainability of such levels without proper assimilation and integration efforts.
Future Outlook and Recommendations
ICE and several other federal, state and local agencies launched a week-long immigration enforcement operation in the Houston, Texas area, which resulted in the arrests of 646 illegal immigrants. (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
Looking ahead, Pew’s findings underscore the importance of implementing effective immigration policies to address the unauthorized immigrant population. The report highlights the impact of enforcement actions and policy changes on the dynamics of illegal immigration.
In conclusion, the unauthorized immigrant population in the U.S. remains a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach involving enforcement, protection, and integration strategies to manage effectively.
