The migration undocumented in the United States increased from 10.7 million in 2019 to 13.7 million in mid-2023when he came to represent 26% of migrants in the country, after an increase in arrivals from South America and the Caribbeanaccording to a report published this Tuesday.
The report, prepared by the Migration Policy Institute (MPI)revealed that the increase in 3 million undocumented immigrants was the highest since the beginning of the millenniumafter a decade of stagnation.
Among the causes of this new wave of migration, the report indicates the rapid economic recovery of the US after the pandemicthe political instability in Central and South Americathe gang violence in Haiti, Ecuador and parts of Mexicoand the political repression in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua.
He also highlighted that the border and humanitarian “parole” policies of the Joe Biden government (2021-2025) They motivated more people to try to enter the United States.
The Mexican nationality continues to be the most numerous among undocumented migrants in the country, with more than 5.5 million peopleafter two years of consecutive increases after having reached a minimum of 5.3 million in 2021.
However, the growth between 2019 and 2023 was mainly due to migrants from Honduras, Guatemala, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil.
By mid-2023, undocumented migrants represented 26% of foreigners in the United States. He MPI estimated that 4 million they had TPS, DACA, pending asylum or active humanitarian parole.
Besides, 4.2 million were married to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, although most cannot access citizenship due to a immigration law of 1996.
This situation seriously affects the minors: the report counted 6.3 million children -only 1 million with US citizenship – who lived with at least one parent in irregular status.
“These children are often severely affected by their parents’ limited employment opportunities and restrictions on accessing public assistance, as well as the threat of separation due to immigration control measures.”warns the report.
Despite the recent increase, four out of five undocumented migrants they carry more than five years in the United Statesand half over twenty years.
Los Angeles and construction work, the most common destination for migration
Nearly 10 of the 13 million of undocumented people of working age They have a job or are looking for one. He construction sector is the most common, with 22% of them, followed by the food serviceswith 10%.
Los Angelesconsidered sanctuary cityis the main destination for undocumented migrants, followed by Houston.
By states, California (2.9 million), Texas (1.96 million) and Florida (1.22 million) They concentrate the largest undocumented population.
However, the report states that the figure could have decreased in 2025 due to the greater enforcement of immigration laws already political atmosphere against migration that crosses the United States.
These phenomena have intensified since Donald Trump’s return to power in January. The president has increased raids against undocumented migrantsha eliminated pro-migration programs and elevated the number of dexports.
