In a shocking revelation by the Pew Research Center, a staggering 725,000 undocumented Indian immigrants have made the United States their home, making them the third-largest unauthorized immigrant group. The latest study, authored by Jeffrey S. Passel and Jens Manuel Krogstad, unravels a complex tapestry of immigration trends, shedding light on the changing landscape of America’s demographics.
The Surge of Undocumented Indian Immigrants
The report discloses that in 2021, the total number of unauthorized immigrants in the US reached 10.5 million, constituting approximately 3 percent of the total population and a significant 22 percent of the foreign-born population. While this figure remains below the 2007 peak of 12.2 million, it marks a turning point, especially for Indian immigrants.
Surprisingly, the number of unauthorized immigrants from Mexico decreased to 4.1 million in 2021, the lowest since the 1990s. However, countries such as El Salvador, with 800,000 immigrants, and India, with 725,000, witnessed an uptick in their numbers. India, Brazil, Canada, and former Soviet Union countries collectively experienced growth from 2017 to 2021, according to the report.
The study reveals that the six states with the largest unauthorized immigrant populations in 2021 were California (1.9 million), Texas (1.6 million), Florida (900,000), New York (600,000), New Jersey (450,000), and Illinois (400,000). California topped the list, reflecting the diverse tapestry of unauthorized immigrant communities.
Intriguingly, the report highlights that the lawful immigrant population in the US grew by over 8 million, marking a remarkable 29 percent increase. Naturalized US citizens also surged by 49 percent in 2021, constituting 49 percent of the total immigrant population in the country.
Also Read: US Foils Sikh Separatist Plot, Issues Warning to India