What is the general trend regarding the undocumented immigrant population in the United States since 2007?

According to various sources, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Pew Research Center, the population of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. experienced a substantial decline from 2007 until at least 2018. While border apprehensions saw a significant drop after 2000 and reached a low in 2017, they have since rebounded to reach new peak levels as of 2021.

How has the number of border apprehensions changed over time, according to the provided text?

The number of border apprehensions substantially declined after the year 2000, reaching a low point in 2017. However, this trend reversed, and apprehensions rebounded to reach a new peak level by 2021, exceeding 2007 levels.

According to the Pew Research Center, how did the undocumented immigrant population change during the 1990s and early 2000s?

The Pew Research Center reported that the undocumented immigrant population rose rapidly during the 1990s, increasing from an estimated 3.5 million in 1990 to a peak of 12.2 million in 2007. This number then dropped sharply during the Great Recession before stabilizing in 2009.

What was the estimated total undocumented immigrant population in the U.S. in 2014, and what percentage of the total U.S. population did this represent?

In 2014, the Pew Research Center estimated the total undocumented immigrant population in the U.S. to be 11.1 million. This figure represented approximately 3 percent of the total U.S. population at that time.

How did the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's estimate for the undocumented immigrant population in 2012 compare to Pew's 2014 estimate?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimated that 11.4 million undocumented immigrants lived in the United States in January 2012. This figure is considered to be in the same ballpark as the Pew Research Center's estimate of 11.1 million for 2014.

What did the Center for Migration Studies report regarding the undocumented immigrant population by January 2016?

The Center for Migration Studies reported that the U.S. undocumented immigrant population fell to 10.9 million by January 2016, which was the lowest number recorded since 2003.

What was the estimated range for the undocumented immigrant population according to a 2018 Yale School of Management study, and what criticism did this study face?

A 2018 study by professors from the Yale School of Management estimated the undocumented immigrant population to be in the range of 16 million to 29 million. However, the methodology used in this study has been criticized for potentially leading to vastly overstated results.

What is the 'residual method' used for estimating the undocumented immigrant population?

The 'residual method' is a common technique used to estimate the undocumented immigrant population in the U.S. It involves subtracting the known number of legally documented immigrants from the total number of foreign-born individuals reported in the U.S. Census. This calculation is adjusted for projected deaths and out-migration to arrive at the estimated residual, or undocumented, population.

Which government agencies and research centers utilize the 'residual method' for estimating the undocumented immigrant population?

The 'residual method' is employed by several prominent organizations, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Pew Hispanic Center, the Center for Immigration Studies, and the United States Census Bureau.

What is a key assumption and a potential issue with the 'residual method' regarding census participation?

A key assumption in the residual method is that undocumented immigrants may have reasons for not answering the U.S. Census accurately, and it's accepted that the census might under-count them. The methodology often assumes that about 10% of undocumented immigrants are not counted by census takers, a figure based on a survey of Mexican-born individuals in Los Angeles.

What are some criticisms leveled against the reliability of the 'residual method' for estimating the undocumented population?

Critics argue that the residual method's estimates can be unreliable due to several factors. These include the lack of federal tracking for out-migration figures, the unknown proportion of undocumented immigrants who actually respond to the Census, the potentially arbitrary nature of the 10% non-response assumption, and the reliance on self-reporting of birthplace, which depends on honesty.

How did the Great Recession impact the employment of undocumented immigrants in the United States?

The Great Recession significantly impacted the employment of undocumented immigrants. Sectors like construction, where these immigrants often find work, experienced shrinkage. Additionally, the recession led to a surplus of American labor, which reduced the incentive for employers to hire undocumented workers.

What demographic shift occurred among Mexican immigrants in the U.S. following the Great Recession?

Following the Great Recession, there was a notable shift where more Mexican immigrants returned to Mexico than migrated to the United States. Between 2009 and 2014, an estimated 1 million Mexicans and their families left the U.S. for Mexico, while only about 870,000 Mexican nationals returned to the U.S. during the same period.

What does the text indicate about the residency duration of most undocumented immigrants in the U.S. since approximately 2014?

Since about 2014, the majority of undocumented immigrants residing in the U.S. have been long-term residents. In 2014, approximately two-thirds (66%) had lived in the U.S. for ten years or more, with only 14% having been in the country for less than five years.

How has the proportion of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. workforce changed since 2007, and in which sectors are they over-represented?

The proportion of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. workforce has declined since 2007. In 2012, they constituted 5.1% of the civilian labor force. Unauthorized immigrant workers remain over-represented in specific sectors, including farming, fisheries, and forestry (26%), cleaning, maintenance, and groundskeeping (17%), construction (14%), and food preparation (11%).

What is the current trend regarding the nationality of the majority of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. as of 2017?

As of 2017, Mexicans no longer constituted the majority of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. The percentage of undocumented immigrants who are Mexican had been steadily declining in the years leading up to 2017.

How did the number of Mexican immigrants in the U.S. change between 1995 and 2014, considering both documented and undocumented status?

Between 1995 and 2005, the net Mexican population in the U.S. grew by an average of about 500,000 per year, with 80-85% attributed to unauthorized immigration. Specifically, there was a net gain of 2,270,000 Mexican immigrants from 1995 to 2000. However, this trend reversed, with a net loss of about 20,000 between 2005 and 2010, and a further net loss of 140,000 between 2009 and 2014.

What was the total number of Mexicans residing in the U.S. in 2014, and how did this compare to 2007?

In 2014, the total number of Mexicans residing in the U.S., both with and without authorization, was 11.7 million. This represented a decrease from the peak of 12.8 million recorded in 2007.

What percentage of the Mexican population in the U.S. was undocumented in 2014, and how did this compare to 2007?

In 2014, undocumented immigrants made up 48% of the Mexican population living in the U.S., a decrease from 54% in 2007. This decline contributed to the overall drop in the total number of Mexicans residing in the U.S.

How are Asian Pacific Islanders Desi Americans/Asians (APIDA/As) described in terms of their proportion within the U.S. immigrant population?

APIDA/As are identified as the largest racial/ethnic group among immigrants in the U.S., making up 40% of the total migrant population.

What historical discriminatory laws impacted Chinese immigration to the United States?

Historical laws significantly impacted Chinese immigration, including the Geary Act, which extended the Chinese Exclusion Act, prohibiting Chinese individuals from legally immigrating to the United States. The Chinese Exclusion Act itself, passed in 1882, banned Chinese laborers for ten years, and the Geary Act in 1892 added requirements like mandatory resident permits, with deportation as a penalty for non-compliance. Chinese immigrants only became eligible for citizenship and naturalization in 1943.

How has the perception of APIDA/A immigrants been influenced by stereotypes like the 'model minority' and 'perpetual foreigner'?

APIDA/A immigrants have been subjected to racial discrimination, including being stereotyped as the 'model minority' and viewed as 'perpetual foreigners.' These perceptions have shaped societal views on undocumented immigrants within the U.S. and can obscure the diverse realities and experiences of APIDA/A individuals.

When did the U.S. first see a significant rise in Chinese immigration, and for what purpose?

The United States first experienced a notable increase in Chinese immigration during the 1860s. This surge was driven by the recruitment of Chinese laborers, who were sought after for their perceived affordability, to construct the Transcontinental Railroad.

What was the 'Yellow Peril' concept in relation to Chinese labor in the 1860s?

The 'Yellow Peril' was a racist depiction that emerged during the 1860s, viewing Chinese laborers as a threat or danger to the Western world. This sentiment arose from competitive labor dynamics between white and Chinese workers during the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.

According to the Center for Migration Studies (CMS), how many undocumented APIDA/A immigrants are estimated to be in the United States?

According to the Center for Migration Studies (CMS), there are approximately 1.7 million undocumented APIDA/A immigrants residing in the United States.

How has the population of undocumented immigrants from Asia changed between 2000 and 2015 compared to other regions?

Between 2000 and 2015, the population of undocumented immigrants from Asia increased significantly, growing by 3.5 times over the 15-year period. This growth rate surpassed that of undocumented immigrants from Central America (3x), Africa (2.6x), the Caribbean (1.9x), South America (1.4x), and Mexico (1.2x).

Which countries had the highest populations of undocumented immigrants in the United States in 2015, according to CMS?

In 2015, India and China had the largest populations of undocumented immigrants in the United States. India was the origin country for 458,663 undocumented individuals, followed by China with 387,369.

What proportion of APIDA/A immigrants in the U.S. are undocumented?

One out of every seven APIDA/A immigrants in the U.S. is undocumented.

What were the primary reasons cited by APIDA/A individuals for immigrating to the U.S. in a Pew Research Center survey conducted between 2022-2023?

In a Pew Research Center survey from 2022-2023, APIDA/A individuals cited several primary reasons for immigrating to the U.S.: 28% stated family reunification, 27% sought economic opportunities, 26% aimed to pursue education, and 7% were seeking refuge.

How did the number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. workforce compare to the total U.S. workforce in 2014?

In 2014, there were 8 million undocumented immigrants working in the United States, representing a portion of the overall U.S. workforce. This figure includes those working without authorization or in informal arrangements.

What percentage of undocumented immigrants were unemployed and seeking work in 2014?

In 2014, five percent of undocumented immigrants were unemployed and actively looking for work.

Which states accounted for the largest share of undocumented immigrants in 2014?

In 2014, California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois collectively accounted for 59% of all undocumented immigrants residing in the U.S. This is notable as these states also held 40% of the entire U.S. population.

What is the 'See also' section of the article pointing to?

The 'See also' section lists related topics, including 'Illegal immigration to the United States' and 'Undocumented youth in the United States,' suggesting further reading on related subjects.

What is the primary method used to estimate the undocumented immigrant population in the U.S., and what are its limitations?

The primary method used is the 'residual method,' which subtracts documented immigrants from the total foreign-born population counted in the Census, adjusted for deaths and out-migration. However, critics point out limitations such as the lack of precise out-migration data, unknown census response rates from undocumented individuals, and potentially arbitrary assumptions about undercounting.

How did the Great Recession affect the hiring of undocumented immigrants?

The Great Recession led to a surplus of American labor, which decreased the perceived benefit of hiring undocumented immigrants, thus impacting their employment opportunities.

What does the image caption describe regarding unauthorized immigration statistics?

The image caption describes selected unauthorized immigration statistics, noting that until the last few years prior to the caption's date, the population of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. and southwestern border apprehensions had declined significantly over the preceding decade. However, it also states that since then, border apprehensions have exceeded 2007 levels.

What historical context is provided for APIDA/A immigration, specifically regarding railroad construction?

The text mentions that Chinese immigration rose in the 1860s, driven by the recruitment of laborers for the Central Pacific Railroad, which required affordable labor for building the Transcontinental Railroad.

What was the significance of the Naturalization Act of 1790 regarding immigration?

The Naturalization Act of 1790 established the first rules for naturalization in the United States, limiting citizenship to 'free white persons' of good character who had resided in the U.S. for two years. This act set a precedent for racial and ethnic restrictions on immigration and citizenship for many years.

How did the Immigration Act of 1924 impact immigration patterns?

The Immigration Act of 1924, also known as the Johnson-Reed Act, established a national origins quota system that severely restricted immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe and banned immigration from most of Asia. This act aimed to preserve the racial composition of the United States by favoring immigrants from Northern and Western Europe.

What was the purpose of the Bracero Program?

The Bracero Program, which ran from 1942 to 1964, was a series of agreements between the United States and Mexico that allowed millions of Mexican men to work legally in the U.S. on short-term agricultural labor contracts. It was initiated to address labor shortages during World War II.

What significant change did the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 introduce?

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished the national origins quota system that had been in place since the 1920s. It established a new system based on family reunification and needed skills, which dramatically changed the sources of immigration to the United States, leading to increased diversity.

What was the primary goal of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA)?

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) aimed to address undocumented immigration by implementing a two-pronged approach: it granted amnesty and legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants already living in the U.S. while simultaneously increasing border security and employer sanctions to deter future unauthorized immigration.

What is the significance of the 'model minority' stereotype in relation to APIDA/A immigrants?

The 'model minority' stereotype portrays APIDA/A individuals as universally successful, hardworking, and intelligent, often used as a benchmark against which other minority groups are compared. While seemingly positive, this stereotype can mask the diverse socioeconomic realities within APIDA/A communities, including poverty and undocumented status, and can create undue pressure or erase individual struggles.

What does the term 'perpetual foreigner' imply about the perception of APIDA/A immigrants?

The 'perpetual foreigner' concept suggests that regardless of how long APIDA/A individuals or their families have lived in the U.S., or even if they were born there, they are often perceived by society as outsiders or not truly belonging to the nation. This perception can lead to discrimination and exclusion.

What is the 'Update' notice at the beginning of the article indicating?

The 'Update' notice, dated August 2024, indicates that the article needs to be updated to reflect recent events or newly available information, suggesting that the current content may not be fully up-to-date.

What does the navbox indicate about the Laken Riley Act?

The navbox lists the 'Laken Riley Act of 2025' under '21st century' legislation related to immigration, suggesting it is a recent or proposed law concerning immigration matters.

What historical event is linked to the rise of Chinese immigration in the 1860s?

The rise in Chinese immigration during the 1860s is linked to the recruitment of labor for the Central Pacific Railroad, which needed workers to build the Transcontinental Railroad.

What was the purpose of the Page Act of 1875?

The Page Act of 1875 was an early U.S. federal law that aimed to prevent the immigration of individuals considered undesirable, specifically targeting Asian women by prohibiting entry for purposes of prostitution and making it difficult for Chinese women to immigrate, thereby impacting family-based migration.

Undocumented Immigrant Population Of The United States Wiki: Demographic Uncertainties: An Examination of the U.S. Undocumented Population

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Population Size

Historical Trends

The precise size of the undocumented immigrant population in the United States is inherently difficult to ascertain due to the nature of this demographic. However, available data indicates a significant decline from its peak around 2007 until at least 2018. Conversely, border apprehension numbers, while fluctuating, reached new peaks around 2021 after a period of decline post-2000.

Key Estimates

Estimates vary considerably across sources:

1980: Approximately 2.06 million individuals.
1990-2007: Rapid growth, peaking at an estimated 12.2 million in 2007.
2014: Pew Research Center estimated 11.1 million (approx. 3% of the U.S. population).
2012: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimated 11.4 million.
2016: Center for Migration Studies reported the lowest number since 2003, at 10.9 million.
2018 (Contested): A Yale study proposed a range of 16-29 million, though its methodology faced criticism for potential overestimation.

Post-Recession Decline

The Great Recession significantly impacted employment sectors often utilized by undocumented workers, such as construction. This economic downturn, coupled with a surplus of domestic labor, contributed to a decrease in undocumented immigration and an increase in returns to Mexico, particularly among Mexican nationals.

Estimation Methodologies

The Residual Method

The most common approach is the "residual method." This involves subtracting the number of legally documented immigrants from the total foreign-born population reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. This difference is considered the residual, or undocumented, population.

Key institutions employing this method include:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Pew Hispanic Center
Center for Immigration Studies (CIS)
U.S. Census Bureau

Methodological Challenges

Critics raise several concerns regarding the reliability of the residual method:

Out-migration Data: Lack of precise tracking for individuals leaving the U.S.
Census Undercount: Difficulty in accurately counting undocumented individuals in census data, with assumptions often made (e.g., 10% undercount).
Response Accuracy: Reliance on self-reported birthplace information.
Arbitrary Assumptions: The 10% undercount figure is based on limited studies and may not be universally applicable.

The methodology's reliance on assumptions, such as the proportion of undocumented immigrants who respond to the Census and the rate of out-migration, introduces significant uncertainty. A 2001 University of California survey, for instance, indicated substantial non-response rates among certain groups, highlighting potential inaccuracies in census counts.

Recession's Influence

Employment Sector Shifts

The Great Recession (circa 2007-2009) led to substantial contractions in sectors heavily reliant on undocumented labor, such as construction. This economic downturn reduced job opportunities and diminished the perceived economic advantage of hiring undocumented workers.

Net Emigration

Following the recession, data suggests a reversal in migration trends for certain groups. Between 2009 and 2014, more Mexican nationals returned to Mexico than migrated to the U.S., resulting in a net loss of Mexican population within the United States during that period.

Population Characteristics

Long-Term Residency

By 2014, a significant portion of the undocumented population comprised long-term residents. Approximately two-thirds (66%) had resided in the U.S. for ten years or more, indicating a stabilization and integration pattern rather than recent arrivals.

Workforce Participation

In 2012, undocumented immigrants constituted about 5.1% of the U.S. civilian labor force. They remain disproportionately represented in specific industries:

Farming, fisheries, and forestry (26%)
Cleaning, maintenance, and groundskeeping (17%)
Construction (14%)
Food preparation (11%)

Undocumented Mexicans

Shifting Demographics

While historically a dominant group, the proportion of undocumented immigrants from Mexico has been steadily declining. As of 2017, Mexicans no longer constituted the majority of the undocumented population.

Population Dynamics

The Mexican-born population in the U.S. (both authorized and unauthorized) saw substantial growth from 1970 to 2004. However, between 2005 and 2014, there was a net loss, with more individuals returning to Mexico than arriving from Mexico. This trend was particularly pronounced among unauthorized migrants, whose share of the total Mexican population in the U.S. decreased from 54% in 2007 to 48% in 2014.

Undocumented APIDA/A Immigrants

Historical Context and Discrimination

Asian Pacific Islanders Desi Americans (APIDA/A) represent a significant immigrant group. Historically, they have faced discrimination through legislation like the Geary Act and the Chinese Exclusion Act. Stereotypes such as the "model minority" myth and the concept of the "perpetual foreigner" continue to shape societal perceptions and impact the experiences of APIDA/A communities, including undocumented individuals.

Population Growth and Origins

Between 2000 and 2015, the undocumented APIDA/A population increased substantially (3.5 times). Key countries of origin for undocumented APIDA/A immigrants include India, China, and the Philippines. Approximately one in seven APIDA/A immigrants in the U.S. is undocumented.

Geographic Distribution

The largest populations of undocumented APIDA/A immigrants are concentrated in states such as California, New York, Texas, and New Jersey. Recent surveys indicate common reasons for immigration include family reunification, economic opportunities, and educational pursuits.

2014 Snapshot

Workforce

In 2014, an estimated 8 million undocumented immigrants were part of the U.S. workforce. A notable portion (5%) were unemployed and seeking work.

Geographic Concentration

California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois collectively housed 59% of the undocumented immigrant population in 2014, mirroring their share of the overall U.S. population.

National Origin Breakdown

Mexicans constituted 52% of all undocumented immigrants in 2014, a decrease from previous years. The total number of Mexican undocumented immigrants was estimated at 5.8 million, down from 6.4 million in 2009.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Undocumented Immigrant Population Of The United States" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about undocumented_immigrant_population_of_the_united_states while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

kaluga oblast

2012 new york mets season

References

Center for Migration Studies. "A Demographic Profile of Undocumented Immigrants from Asia and the Pacific Islands." The Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS), 14 June, 2022. Retrieved 2025-02-15.

Ramakrishnan , Karthick, and Sono Shah . "One out of Every 7 Asian Immigrants Is Undocumented." AAPI Data, 8 Sept, 2017. Retrieved 2025-02-15.

Tian, Ziyao. "Why Asian Immigrants Come to the U.S. and How They View Life Here." Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 9 Oct. 2024. Retrieved 2025-02-15.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Undocumented immigrant population of the United States Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence model and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The information presented is based on data extracted from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia, and may not reflect the most current events or complete data. It is crucial to recognize that population estimates for undocumented individuals are inherently complex and subject to varying methodologies and interpretations.

This is not legal or policy advice. The information provided herein should not be construed as professional legal counsel, immigration advice, or policy recommendations. Individuals seeking guidance on immigration status, legal rights, or related matters should consult with qualified immigration attorneys or relevant government agencies. Reliance on this information for legal decisions is strongly discouraged.

The creators of this page assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented. Always consult official sources and qualified professionals for definitive guidance.

Demographic Uncertainties

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Population Size 📊

📈 Historical Trends

🔢 Key Estimates

📉 Post-Recession Decline

Estimation Methodologies 🔬

🧩 The Residual Method

🤔 Methodological Challenges

Recession's Influence 📉

💼 Employment Sector Shifts

⬅️ Net Emigration

Population Characteristics 👤

⏳ Long-Term Residency

🛠️ Workforce Participation

Undocumented Mexicans 🇲🇽

📊 Shifting Demographics

📈 Population Dynamics

Undocumented APIDA/A Immigrants 🌏

📜 Historical Context and Discrimination

📈 Population Growth and Origins

📍 Geographic Distribution

2014 Snapshot 📅

💼 Workforce

🌍 Geographic Concentration

👥 National Origin Breakdown

Related Topics 🔗

🏛️ Legal Framework

🏢 Government Agencies

⚖️ Supreme Court Cases

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Population Size

Historical Trends

Key Estimates

Post-Recession Decline

Estimation Methodologies

The Residual Method

Methodological Challenges

Recession's Influence

Employment Sector Shifts

Net Emigration

Population Characteristics

Long-Term Residency

Workforce Participation

Undocumented Mexicans

Shifting Demographics

Population Dynamics

Undocumented APIDA/A Immigrants

Historical Context and Discrimination

Population Growth and Origins

Geographic Distribution

2014 Snapshot

Workforce

Geographic Concentration

National Origin Breakdown

Related Topics

Legal Framework

Government Agencies

Supreme Court Cases

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice