Feb 5, 2019
The share of state populations made up of unauthorized immigrants fell in every state bordering Mexico, except Texas, between 2007 and 2016, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center.
Why it matters: While President Trump draws attention to an "invasion" of illegal immigrants and the need for a border wall, the share of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. is falling.
By the numbers:
- Of the states with the highest percentage of unauthorized immigrants, the only one that saw an increase was Maryland.
- Unauthorized immigrants do not make up the majority share of immigrants in any state, according to Pew. They make up a quarter of the foreign-born population overall in the U.S.
- They do contribute to the economy, making up between 5 and 10% of the labor force in the five states with the largest share of unauthorized immigrants.
- And industries such as construction and agriculture tend to have the highest shares of unauthorized immigrant employees, according to the study.
- Mexicans make up about half of the national unauthorized immigrant population, but much smaller shares in states along the East Coast.