Executive summary: This literature review presents a data-driven, non-prescriptive overview of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., showing they are long-term, economically active, and largely law-abiding members of society whose presence likely benefits the broader U.S. economy despite challenges in accurately quantifying their population.
Key points:
Population and Demographics: Undocumented immigrants make up ~3% of the U.S. population, are disproportionately male and younger, often have lower education levels, and mostly originate from Latin America—but up to one-third come from other regions such as India, Canada, and Europe.
Tenure and Family Structure: The majority have lived in the U.S. for over five years (often more than 15), with mixed-status households common—about 6% of U.S. children live with at least one undocumented parent.
Labor Market Participation: Undocumented immigrants have notably high labor force participation, particularly among men, despite limited access to safety nets and lower wages; they are more likely to work than native-born individuals even when controlling for education and age.
Economic Contributions: Despite earning less, undocumented migrants contribute an estimated 3% to U.S. GDP and pay around $90B in taxes annually; most estimates suggest their net fiscal impact is positive or neutral, particularly when accounting for their broader economic role beyond taxes and transfers.
Crime and Legalization: Contrary to common rhetoric, undocumented immigrants have lower crime rates than native-born citizens; legalization programs (e.g., IRCA, DACA) increase employment and wages, with mixed effects on education but likely overall societal benefit.
Deportation Effects: Studies of deportation programs show that removing undocumented workers can reduce wages and employment for native-born citizens, underscoring the complex interdependence between undocumented migrants and the broader economy.
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Executive summary: This literature review presents a data-driven, non-prescriptive overview of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., showing they are long-term, economically active, and largely law-abiding members of society whose presence likely benefits the broader U.S. economy despite challenges in accurately quantifying their population.
Key points:
Population and Demographics: Undocumented immigrants make up ~3% of the U.S. population, are disproportionately male and younger, often have lower education levels, and mostly originate from Latin America—but up to one-third come from other regions such as India, Canada, and Europe.
Tenure and Family Structure: The majority have lived in the U.S. for over five years (often more than 15), with mixed-status households common—about 6% of U.S. children live with at least one undocumented parent.
Labor Market Participation: Undocumented immigrants have notably high labor force participation, particularly among men, despite limited access to safety nets and lower wages; they are more likely to work than native-born individuals even when controlling for education and age.
Economic Contributions: Despite earning less, undocumented migrants contribute an estimated 3% to U.S. GDP and pay around $90B in taxes annually; most estimates suggest their net fiscal impact is positive or neutral, particularly when accounting for their broader economic role beyond taxes and transfers.
Crime and Legalization: Contrary to common rhetoric, undocumented immigrants have lower crime rates than native-born citizens; legalization programs (e.g., IRCA, DACA) increase employment and wages, with mixed effects on education but likely overall societal benefit.
Deportation Effects: Studies of deportation programs show that removing undocumented workers can reduce wages and employment for native-born citizens, underscoring the complex interdependence between undocumented migrants and the broader economy.
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, and contact us if you have feedback.