Estimates for the number of unauthorized immigrants (often referred to as illegal immigrants) in the US point to around 14 million as of 2023 , the most recent comprehensive figure from Pew Research Center, which many analyses carry forward into 2025 discussions.

This number reflects a record high after rising from about 10.5 million in 2021, driven by factors like border crossings and policy shifts, though short- term trends in 2024-2025 show debate over possible peaks or declines.

Key Estimates

Here's a breakdown of prominent 2025-cited figures from reliable sources:

Source| Estimated Number| Timeframe| Notes [web ID]
---|---|---|---
Pew Research Center| 14 million| 2023 (used in 2025 analyses)| Record high; 27% of all US immigrants. Under-count adjustments applied.139
Center for Immigration Studies (CIS)| ~15.4 million illegal immigrants (within 53M foreign-born)| January 2025| 50%+ rise since 2021; based on Census data.5
Factually.co analyses| 13.7-14 million| Mid-2025| Consensus anchor; apprehensions dropped to 238K in FY2025.23

Why Estimates Vary

  • Methodology matters : Pew uses Census data with adjustments for undercounts, distinguishing "stock" (total residents) from "flow" (annual border encounters). Apprehensions fell sharply in 2025 (from 1.5M+ prior year), but don't reflect long-term residents.
  • Political lenses : Conservative sources like CIS emphasize highs (15M+ illegal), while others note stabilization or drops due to enforcement under President Trump's 2025 policies.
  • Data lags : Full 2025 Census won't be out soon; 2023 Pew remains the benchmark, with some 2025 reports suggesting a peak then decline.

2025 Context

In early 2026, post-inauguration enforcement has slowed inflows—FY2025 border apprehensions hit just 238,000, a massive drop. Total foreign-born hit 53 million (15.8% of US population) in Jan 2025, with unauthorized at ~27% of that. Debates rage on platforms like X and forums: some claim 20M+ totals, others 10-12M post-deportations, but data anchors at 14M.

TL;DR : ~14 million unauthorized immigrants per leading 2023-2025 estimates; numbers peaked recently but inflows plummeted in 2025.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.