Who are the unauthorized immigrants in the United States? Where do they come from and where do they settle in the United States? After entry, what socio-economic roles do they play in the US economy?
As of 2008, the unauthorized immigrant population in the United States is estimated to be approximately 11.6 million. 61% of the unauthorized immigrants in the country are from Mexico, and 25% of all unauthorized immigrant workers reside in California. Unauthorized immigrants, as of 2008, represent 5% of the total civilian labor force in the United States. 51% of these immigrants, compared to 21% of native workers, hold occupations in the service (30%) and construction (21%) industries. The following charts and tables delineate the demographic and socio-economic background of unauthorized immigrants in the United States.
