A new Pew Research Center report reveals that the unauthorized immigrant population in the U.S. reached a record high in 2023, with six states accounting for the majority of these individuals. This analysis, based on government data, highlights shifting migration patterns and policy impacts under recent administrations.
The report, published on August 21, 2025, by the Pew Research Center, details that the number of unauthorized immigrants in the United States surged to 14 million in 2023, marking a significant increase from previous years. This data is derived from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Homeland Security, providing a comprehensive overview of immigration trends.
The six states identified as home to the majority of undocumented immigrants are California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, and New Jersey. California and Texas lead in numbers, but the report notes a trend of immigrants increasingly moving to other states, reflecting changes in settlement patterns.
The increase in unauthorized immigration is primarily driven by migrants from countries other than Mexico, with a rise in asylum seekers and individuals granted temporary protections under Biden-era policies. Factors such as economic opportunities, family reunification, and flight from violence or instability in home countries contribute to this migration.
The report explains that the surge occurred due to policies that allowed more people to enter or remain in the U.S., such as temporary protected status and asylum grants. However, the Trump administration has since rolled back some of these protections, affecting groups from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
Impact-wise, unauthorized immigrants make up a significant portion of the workforce, with an estimated 9.7 million people (about 5.6% of the labor force) employed in 2023. States like Nevada, Florida, New Jersey, and Texas have high shares of undocumented workers, influencing local economies and labor markets.
Looking ahead, the report suggests that the unauthorized immigrant population may have declined in 2024 or 2025 due to policy changes and enforcement actions. Future trends will depend on immigration policies, economic conditions, and international factors, with ongoing debates about reform and integration.
In summary, this report provides critical insights into U.S. immigration dynamics, emphasizing the concentration of undocumented populations in specific states and the evolving nature of migration sources and policies.