Fact check: How many illigal people live in america

1. Summary of the results

The most recent and widely accepted estimate places the number of unauthorized immigrants in the United States at approximately 11.0 million as of 2022, representing 3.3% of the total U.S. population and 23% of the foreign-born population ^[1]. This shows a slight increase from 10.5 million in 2021 ^[1]. However, different organizations provide varying estimates, with ranges between 10.9 million to 16.8 million ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements need to be considered:

• The current numbers are still below the historical peak of 12.2 million recorded in 2007 ^[1]
• The Migration Policy Institute presents a more dramatic increase, suggesting growth of 3 million between 2019 and 2023, representing a 6% annual growth - the largest yearly increase since the early 2000s ^[3]
• Recent border encounters under the Biden administration (6.5 million from February 2021 through October) do not directly translate to unauthorized residents:

Only 2.5 million people were released into the U.S.

About 2.8 million were removed or expelled directly from CBP custody ^[4]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question itself contains potential bias through:

• The use of the term "illegal people" which is considered dehumanizing - the preferred terms are "unauthorized immigrants" or "undocumented immigrants"
• The assumption that there is a single, definitive number, when in reality:

Different organizations provide varying estimates

Some political figures, like Senator Marco Rubio, have cited inflated numbers of 20-30 million, which are not supported by government or research organization data ^[2]

• Various groups benefit from different narratives:

Political figures may benefit from inflating numbers to support stricter immigration policies

Immigration advocacy groups might benefit from lower estimates

• Research organizations like Pew and government agencies aim to provide objective data based on scientific methodology