How many undocumented people are currently in the United States?

Approximately 11.5 to 12 million people in March 2006.

How many undocumented people in the U.S. are employed?

Approximately 7.2 million in March 2005 (at that time, it is estimated that there were a total of 11.1 million undocumented people in the U.S., including children and dependants of undocumented workers). The 7.2 million represents 4.9% of the civilian workforce. The total labor force at the time was estimated to be 148 million workers.

What kinds of jobs do the undocumented workers hold?

They make up a large share of all workers in a few more detailed occupational categories, including 24% of all workers employed in farming jobs, 17% in cleaning, 36% in insulation installation, 29% in roofing and drywall installation, 27% of butchers and other food processing. (All figures refer to March 2005.)

What proportion of the undocumented population has migrated to the U.S. recently?

One third of the undocumented population has been in the U.S. for more than ten years. 40% of the population has been in the U.S. five years or less. (All figures refer to March 2005.)

What are the countries of origin for the undocumented people?

Of the total in 2005, 56% were from Mexico, 22% from the remainder of Latin America (especially Central America). South and East Asia are also significant contributors to the undocumented population.

What are the family characteristics of the undocumented people in the U.S.?

In 2005, the undocumented population included 5.4 million adult males (49% of the population), 3.9 million adult females (35% of the population) and 1.8 million children (16% of the total).

How many U.S. families (immediate families) have an undocumented parent and/or spouse?

6.6 million families in the United States (March 2005).

How many U.S family members (native, documented and undocumented) have an undocumented (immediate) relative?

14. 6 million people (March 2005).

How many children who are U.S. citizens by birth are living in families with one or more undocumented parents?

3.1 million children (March 2005).

How do undocumented people enter the U.S.?

Approximately 40% of the undocumented people living in the U.S. originally entered the country with non-immigrant visas. These people have become "undocumented" by overstaying their visas.

(Sources: Pew Hispanic Center, Immigration and Naturalization Services)

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