Archive · 22 Aug 2025
DHS Claims 1.6 Million Undocumented Immigrants Have Left the US
The government says a lot of people who didn't have permission to be in the US have left since the new rules started.
They say 1.6 million people are gone, due to stricter rules and a program offering help to leave.
Some researchers agree the number has gone down, but they say it is hard to know the exact number.
Some experts worry this could hurt the economy because there might not be enough workers.
Others think it will create better jobs for people who are here legally.
The total number of immigrants in the US has also dropped, for the first time in many years.
Homeland Security claims 1.6 million undocumented immigrants left the US since January.
This figure is attributed to tougher enforcement, Operation Homecoming, and self-deportation.
The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) analysis supports the departure numbers, but cautions against over-interpretation.
Pew Research Center estimates the undocumented population has declined but remains over 14 million.
Critics debate the economic impact, with some concerned about labor shortages and rising costs.
- Who
- Undocumented immigrants, the Trump administration, and various research groups
- What
- The US undocumented immigrant population has declined.
- When
- Since January, under the Trump administration.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Due to increased enforcement, incentives for self-deportation, and new policies.
Concerns about Economic Impact
Administration's View
Economic Impact
Concerns about Economic Impact
A decline in the undocumented population could lead to labor shortages and increased costs.
Administration's View
Fewer undocumented workers may lead to better job opportunities for Americans.
- Estimated Departures
- 1.6 million
- Timeframe
- Since January
- Primary Source
- Department of Homeland Security
- Key Programs
- Operation Homecoming, stricter enforcement
- Research Analysis
- CIS, Pew Research Center
Sources
14 MILLION illegal immigrants entered US in 2023 - Bombshell report reveals
US immigrant population drops by 1.5 million in six months, Pew data shows
Pew Research flags sharp 1 million fall in undocumented immigrants in Trump’s first months