#United States #Washington #Biden Administration #FAIR #Illegal Immigration

The Record Surge of Illegal Alien Population in the U.S. Hits 18.6 Million

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) has recently reported that the illegal immigrant population in the United States has surged to an unprecedented 18.6 million. This figure signifies a dramatic 11% increase from the previous estimate of 16.8 million recorded in June 2023. The statistics reveal an overall growth of 28.2% since the beginning of the Biden administration, showcasing the mounting challenges facing U.S. immigration policy.

According to FAIR, the significant rise in illegal immigration has raised alarm bells across the nation, as communities grapple with the implications of these changes. The numbers reflect a combination of increased border crossings and the ramifications of policies enacted by previous administrations that have allowed millions to settle without proper documentation. Policies such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) have contributed to this influx, effectively granting legal status to diverse groups of undocumented migrants.

The U.S. Census Bureau has also acknowledged issues in its previously reported estimates, resulting in a revision of its methodology for evaluating the foreign-born population. This serious adjustment came after it became evident that from July 2021 to July 2022, around 700,000 individuals were unaccounted for in the estimates. As a result, the Census Bureau adjusted its findings, raising the foreign-born population data by nearly 70%, growing from one million to 1.7 million. The revisions didn’t stop there; another extraordinary adjustment occurred from July 2022 to July 2023, with estimates increasing again by over 100%, surging from 1.13 million to nearly 2.8 million in migration during that timeline.

FAIR utilized these revised Census Bureau figures to arrive at the new estimate of 18.6 million illegal aliens residing in the U.S. Their president, Dan Stein, emphasized the growing concerns among Americans, highlighting the real-life effects of the immigration crisis that has spiraled out of control. The data underscores the need for immediate action to reevaluate and reform current immigration policies, particularly those instituted by the Biden administration, which have led to the dismantling of previously effective measures.

Among the discussed factors contributing to this rise in illegal immigration are the decisions made early in President Biden's term, which reversed several Trump-era policies designed to mitigate illegal crossings, including the “Remain in Mexico” policy. While the Trump administration implemented stricter border controls, the changes made since 2021 have encouraged a significant increase in illegal entries, especially with new asylum protocols and parole programs that have created pathways for many undocumented individuals to stay in the U.S.

Stein elaborated on the consequences of relaxed immigration policies under the current administration, suggesting that not only do these changes attract millions of illegal migrants but they also hinder the efforts aimed at swiftly removing those who don’t qualify for residency. He urged a reevaluation of ongoing TPS and similar programs, emphasizing the importance of reinforcing immigration enforcement to regain control over the nation’s borders.

As the illegal immigration landscape continues to evolve, it prompts a critical dialogue among policymakers, citizens, and advocacy groups alike. Whether the current trajectory can be altered through legislative action remains a pressing question, with emphasis on strengthening immigration laws and enforcement measures to ensure the safety and security of American communities. The detailed findings and further discussions surrounding these estimates can be found in the report titled How Many Illegal Aliens Are in the United States? 2025 Update published by FAIR.

For those interested in obtaining more information on this topic, Joey Chester can be contacted at joey@fairus.org or via phone at 202-740-7355.