Latin Americans Lead Irregular Immigration in the U.S.
June 10, 2025. The latest figures confirm that Latin America continues to be the region with the largest representation within the irregular immigrant population in the United States. According to data from the Pew Research Center and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Latin Americans make up 68% of all immigrants without legal status in the country.
This analysis, supported by three key charts, offers a clear view of the origin, destination, and nationality of those who make up this population in the United States.
Also read: “ICE Intensifies Arrests at Immigration Courts as Part of Rapid Deportation Strategy”
1. Regional Origin: Latin America Tops the List
According to the Pew Research Center, more than two-thirds of immigrants in irregular status come from Latin America. They are followed by Asia, with 13%, and Europe/Canada, with only 4%. This pattern reaffirms the long-standing trend of migration from Latin America to the northern part of the continent.
2. States with the Largest Numbers of Undocumented Immigrants
The DHS report highlights that California and Texas account for nearly half of the undocumented immigrant population in the country.
- California is home to approximately 2.6 million people in this situation.
- Texas records about 2.06 million.
Other states such as Florida, New Jersey, and New York also appear with significant numbers, though lower.
3. Countries of Birth with the Highest Representation
Mexico remains the country with the highest number of undocumented immigrants in the United States, with an estimated 4.81 million people.
It is followed by:
- Guatemala: 750,000
- El Salvador: 710,000
- Honduras: 560,000
Additionally, India and China also appear in the ranking, reflecting growing diversity in migration flows.
Trends and Context
The report suggests that while irregular immigration has remained steady in recent years, the main origins and destinations of this population have remained relatively stable. The causes vary and may be related to economic, social, or security factors in the countries of origin, as well as labor dynamics in the U.S.
Conclusion
The data reveal that Latin America continues to play a central role in migration flows to the United States. These figures help better understand the dimensions and characteristics of irregular immigration, without issuing judgments or political stances, and provide an objective basis for the analysis of immigration policies and integration programs.
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