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Illegal Immigrants Hit Record High Under Biden: Pew

Story by Laura Mitchell
•23h



President Biden attending Mike Castle’s funer l in Delaware ©IMAGN

According to Pew Research, former President Joe Biden’s early immigration policies and pandemic-related border disruptions previously contributed to a record high of 14 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. However, growth in the population reportedly slowed in the summer of 2024 following reductions in asylum admissions and certain parole programs. Pew reported that illegal immigrants made up 27% of U.S. immigrants in 2023, up from 22% in 2021.


Biden visiting St. Edmond Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach ©IMAGN

Pew stated, "The number of immigrants lacking permanent legal status in the United States hit an all-time high of 14 million people in 2023 amid a surge that followed the COVID-19 pandemic and policy shifts from the Biden administration, according to a new independent analysis."



Former Vice President Biden wiping away a tear at rally ©IMAGN

Pew wrote, "In the years after the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. immigration policy changes fueled a sharp rise in both legal and illegal immigration." Pew added, "Lawful admissions jumped, as did encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border between migrants and U.S. authorities."




President Biden arriving to deliver State of the Union address ©IMAGN

California leads with 2.3M unauthorized residents, followed by Texas (2.1M), Florida (1.6M), and New York (825K). Eight other states gained at least 75K from 2021–2023.



Biden speaking at Red Butte Airfield near Grand Canyon ©IMAGN

Mexico’s share of the illegal immigrant population has fallen to roughly 30 percent while migrants from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras have increased substantially. India and Venezuela also comprised sizable cohorts in 2023.


President Biden pardoning turkeys Liberty and Bell outdoors ©IMAGN

Pew wrote, "The Pew Research Center, using the most recent numbers available for meaningful review, found a massive spike — the biggest on record — from 2021 to 2023, coinciding with the start of President Joe Biden’s administration in January 2021 and the pandemic fallout that more severely impacted poorer countries."

Illegal Immigrants Hit Record High Under Biden: Pew