Decades of Change: Unauthorized Immigration in the U.S. (1990–2023)
An in-depth look at the origins, destinations, and trends of unauthorized immigration over 33 years.
Over the past three decades, unauthorized immigration has reshaped America’s demographic and economic landscape. From a population of just 3.5 million in 1990, according to Pew Research, it grew to a peak of 12.2 million in 2007, stabilizing around 11 million in recent years. But behind these numbers lies a more complex story—where do these individuals come from, and where do they settle?
Why It Matters
Immigration is one of the most hotly debated topics in the U.S.
Understanding the numbers behind the debate is essential to having an informed opinion.
This article explores data from 1990 to 2023 to reveal trends and insights.
This article breaks down where these individuals originate, where they settle, and how they contribute to American society.
Growth of Unauthorized Immigrants in the U.S. (1990–2023)
Note: Data points reflect estimated population values for specific years between 1990 and 2023. Key milestones such as the 2007 peak and 2023 recovery are highlighted. Source: Pew Research Center and augmented U.S. Census Bureau data.
The number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. grew steadily from 3.5 million in 1990 to 12.2 million in 2007, declining slightly and stabilizing at 11 million in 2023.
This chart illustrates the long-term trends in unauthorized immigration. The sharp rise in the 1990s and early 2000s reflects increased migration from neighboring countries, while the decline after 2007 coincides with the Great Recession and stricter border enforcement. After 2015, recovery in migration trends coincided with economic improvements in the U.S. and ongoing instability in neighboring regions.
While these national trends are significant, understanding where these immigrants originate and settle provides deeper insight into this evolving story.
Top Countries of Origin for Unauthorized Immigrants (2023)
By 2023, unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. came from a wide array of countries, with Mexico continuing to lead as the dominant contributor. The chart below highlights the top countries, showcasing the concentration of immigration sources and the diversity of regions contributing to the unauthorized population.
Key Highlights
Mexico accounted for 4,150,000 unauthorized immigrants in 2023, making up most of the total.
Central American nations, such as El Salvador (780,000) and Guatemala (700,000), ranked next, driven by economic hardships and instability.
Asian countries like India (725,000) and China (375,000) have emerged as notable contributors, reflecting changing immigration dynamics.
Smaller but significant populations came from Venezuela (280,000), Brazil (240,000), and the Dominican Republic (245,000), indicating an increasing share of immigrants from South America and the Caribbean.
Other Countries, which collectively account for 2,630,000 unauthorized immigrants, include smaller contributions from regions like Africa, the Middle East, and additional parts of Asia and Europe, highlighting the global scope of unauthorized immigration.
The following chart provides a visual breakdown of these contributions:
This data highlights the evolving nature of unauthorized immigration, where traditional contributors like Mexico remain dominant but are now joined by significant populations from diverse regions worldwide, including Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
Global Origins: Unauthorized Immigrants by Region (2023)
Unauthorized immigration to the U.S. reflects a global phenomenon, with individuals coming from nearly every corner of the world. While Mexico continues to dominate as the largest contributor, regions like Central America, Asia, and South America highlight the diversity of migration patterns.
In 2023, Mexico accounted for 4.15 million individuals, nearly half of all unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. Central America followed by 2.1 million people, driven largely by migration from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Asia, including significant contributions from India and China, added another 1.9 million individuals, underscoring the increasing role of the region in global migration.
South America contributed 1.2 million people, reflecting growing economic challenges and political instability in countries like Venezuela and Colombia. The Caribbean and Europe & Canada regions, with 850,000 and 825,000 individuals respectively, also accounted for notable shares, while Africa (420,000) and the Middle East (210,000) comprised smaller but significant portions of the total.
Africa’s contributions primarily come from countries like Nigeria and South Africa, while the Middle East includes countries like Syria and Yemen.
Unauthorized immigration to the U.S. reflects a global phenomenon, with individuals coming from nearly every corner of the world. Pew Research Center data highlights these trends over decades.
This regional breakdown illustrates the interconnected nature of global migration and the diverse pathways leading to the U.S. in 2023.
Did you expect regions like Asia and South America to play such significant roles in unauthorized immigration to the U.S.? Share your thoughts below!
Where Do Unauthorized Immigrants Live? State-by-State Breakdown (2023)
Unauthorized immigrants are concentrated in specific states, reflecting their proximity to borders, economic opportunities, and established immigrant networks. In 2023, the state-level distribution highlights significant disparities, with a small number of states hosting the majority of unauthorized immigrants. Here’s a closer look:
Top States with the Highest Populations
California:
Home to 2.74 million unauthorized immigrants, accounting for 24.8% of the total U.S. population.
This makes California the largest host state, largely due to its proximity to the Mexican border, extensive labor markets, and established immigrant communities.
Texas:
With 1.74 million individuals, Texas represents 15.7% of the total population.
As a major border state, Texas attracts immigrants with its thriving economy in construction, agriculture, and energy industries.
New York:
Hosting 835,000 unauthorized immigrants, New York accounts for 7.6% of the population.
As a global urban hub, New York draws immigrants seeking opportunities in service industries and metropolitan economies.
Florida:
Home to 772,000 individuals, or 7% of the U.S. unauthorized population.
Florida’s booming tourism, hospitality, and construction sectors make it a key destination for immigrants.
New Jersey:
With 440,000 unauthorized immigrants, New Jersey contributes 4% of the total.
Its proximity to New York and a strong demand for labor in service industries contribute to its rank.
Smaller Populations in Rural States
While states like California and Texas dominate, rural states such as Vermont and Wyoming host the smallest unauthorized immigrant populations due to their limited economic opportunities and smaller population sizes.
While the bar chart shows numerical disparities, the map provides a clear visual representation of how unauthorized immigrants are concentrated in key states across the U.S.
Insights and Takeaways
Concentration in Five States: California, Texas, New York, Florida, and New Jersey collectively account for most unauthorized immigrants, highlighting the importance of border states and urban hubs.
Economic Opportunities: States with significant industries like agriculture, construction, tourism, and hospitality attract larger populations.
Minimal Representation in Rural States: States with smaller economies, such as Wyoming and Vermont, host only a fraction of the total unauthorized population.
This state-by-state analysis underscores the economic, geographic, and social dynamics shaping migration within the United States. While border states and urban centers remain primary destinations, the distribution also reflects broader labor market trends and economic opportunities.
The majority of unauthorized immigrants are concentrated in border states and urban centers, with relatively lower representation in the Midwest and rural regions.
Did you expect states like Florida and New Jersey to rank among the top five? Share your thoughts below!
Top 20 U.S. Counties Hosting Unauthorized Immigrants (2023)
Unauthorized immigrants are not just concentrated in specific states but also clustered in certain counties. This section examines the top 20 counties in the U.S. with the largest unauthorized immigrant populations in 2023, offering a more localized perspective on where these communities reside.
Many of these counties are concentrated in states with major metropolitan hubs, particularly in the West and South, reflecting regional labor demand and proximity to borders.
Los Angeles County, California, tops the list with 951,000 unauthorized immigrants, reflecting its status as a major urban hub with significant labor demand and immigrant networks. Harris County, Texas, follows with 481,000, driven by its growing industries and proximity to the southern border.
Other notable counties include Dallas County, Texas (293,000), Cook County, Illinois (257,000), and Orange County, California (236,000). These counties are characterized by diverse economies, large metropolitan areas, and well-established immigrant communities.
Interestingly, the top 20 counties are heavily concentrated in states like California, Texas, and Illinois, which are also the states with the largest overall populations of unauthorized immigrants. These counties serve as key economic and cultural hubs, offering both opportunities and challenges for immigrant communities.
Understanding the distribution of unauthorized immigrants at the county level provides valuable insights into local economic dynamics and migration patterns. These countries play a critical role in shaping the immigrant experience in the U.S.
Were you surprised to see counties like Harris and Cook rank so highly? What factors do you think contribute to these trends?
Economic Contributions of Unauthorized Immigrants (2023)
Unauthorized immigrants play a vital role in the U.S. economy, contributing significantly to key industries and public revenue. Despite their undocumented status, they are essential to several labor-intensive sectors and actively participate in the local and national economies.
Employment distribution of unauthorized immigrants across key sectors, based on 2023 data.
Other Services: encompass essential roles in logistics, retail, and maintenance that keep the economy running smoothly.
Key Industries:
Agriculture: Unauthorized immigrants make up 25% of the workforce, ensuring the stability of food production and supply chains.
For instance, California's agricultural sector heavily relies on immigrant labor for harvesting crops, while New York's hospitality industry benefits from unauthorized workers in food services.
Construction: Over 15% of workers in the construction industry are unauthorized immigrants, driving growth in infrastructure and housing.
Hospitality and Services: Nearly 20% of workers in hospitality rely on unauthorized immigrant labor, from food services to cleaning industries.
Manufacturing and Other Services: Unauthorized immigrants are a vital part of the manufacturing industry, while 30% are employed in various other essential sectors.
Tax Contributions:
Unauthorized immigrants paid an estimated $11.74 billion in state and local taxes in 2023, which includes:
Sales taxes: Paid during daily purchases.
Property taxes: Often paid indirectly through rent.
Income taxes: Paid even by those using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs).
They also contributed:
$7 billion to Social Security.
$1.1 billion to Medicare—despite being ineligible to claim these benefits.
GDP Impact:
Unauthorized immigrants contributed an estimated $150 billion to the U.S. GDP in 2023.
They sustain industries that would otherwise face severe labor shortages, especially in agriculture, construction, and services.
The contributions of unauthorized immigrants to the U.S. economy extend far beyond their labor. They provide essential services, pay billions in taxes, and sustain industries vital to the country's growth and prosperity.
Were you surprised to learn about the substantial contributions of unauthorized immigrants to Social Security and taxes? Let us know your thoughts.
What Do Americans Think About Unauthorized Immigration?
Public opinion on unauthorized immigration remains deeply divided in the United States, influenced by factors such as geography, political affiliation, and personal experiences. This section explores how Americans perceive unauthorized immigration in 2023, based on recent surveys and polls.
Economic growth, cultural diversity, and community development are often cited as key areas strengthened by immigrant populations.
1. Legalization Pathways
72% of Americans support creating legal pathways for unauthorized immigrants who meet specific requirements, such as passing background checks and paying taxes.
Support by political affiliation:
85% of Democrats back such measures.
56% of Republicans agree, showing bipartisan but uneven support.
2. Economic Impact
44% of Americans believe unauthorized immigrants take jobs from U.S. citizens.
56% disagree, recognizing their role in labor-intensive industries like agriculture, construction, and hospitality.
3. Border Security
68% of Americans favor increasing border security to curb unauthorized immigration.
Political divide:
89% of Republicans strongly support enhanced border control.
Democrats show more tempered support.
4. Societal Contributions
57% of Americans believe unauthorized immigrants strengthen the country through their economic and cultural contributions.
39% think they weaken it, reflecting concerns about competition for resources.
5. Access to Public Education
75% of Americans support allowing children of unauthorized immigrants access to public education, demonstrating strong national backing for educational inclusion.
Public opinion shows a nuanced perspective, balancing the recognition of immigrants' economic and social benefits with concerns about border security and labor competition. While opinions differ by political affiliation, the data reflects growing support for policies that integrate unauthorized immigrants into society while addressing national security concerns.
The data highlights stark differences between political affiliations, particularly on issues like border security and legalization pathways.
What are your thoughts on these public opinion trends? Do they align with your own views?
Sources:
“Americans’ Views of Immigration and Border Policies” (2023)
“U.S. Public Opinion on Immigration, 2023 Trends”
“Public Attitudes on Unauthorized Immigration”
“Unauthorized Immigrants’ Economic Impact”
Conclusion: A Comprehensive Look at Unauthorized Immigration
The Bigger Picture
Unauthorized immigration continues to shape the economic, social, and political landscape of the United States. This article highlighted the key trends, regional distributions, economic contributions, and public opinions surrounding this complex issue. From their essential role in industries like agriculture and construction to their significant contributions to state and federal taxes, unauthorized immigrants play a vital part in the nation’s economy and communities.
Key Takeaways
Economic Contributions: Unauthorized immigrants contribute billions in taxes and are indispensable to labor-intensive industries.
Public Opinion: Views on immigration remain deeply divided, reflecting broader political and regional dynamics.
Regional Distribution: The concentration of unauthorized immigrants in specific states and counties underscores the localized nature of this national issue.
Join the Conversation
This article is just the start of a larger conversation. Immigration is a multifaceted topic and your insights matter.
Have Questions? Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments below.
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Interesting as always. Many think this is an undercount, though I don't know what they base that on. Illegal immigrants as a proportion of the population would be very interesting, and might show that rural states and counties are indeed affected. Thanks!