Unauthorized Immigration/Irregular Migration
Explore all research, analysis, commentary, and data on unauthorized immigrants and irregular migrants, terms used in different parts of the world to describe the individuals who lack the right to reside legally in their country of destination, as well as the policies and enforcement practices affecting them.
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El aumento de la migración en América Latina y el Caribe ha marcado el comienzo de una nueva era volátil
América Latina y el Caribe se enfrentan a una nueva era de migración marcada por la inestabilidad: los avances en materia de solidaridad se están desvaneciendo, las presiones para deportar a los migrantes van en aumento y la cooperación regional está perdiendo terreno.
Changing Origins, Rising Numbers: Unauthorized Immigrants in the United States
MPI estimates 13.7 million unauthorized immigrants lived in the United States as of mid-2023, up 3 million since 2019, with more diverse origins and legal circumstances.
A New Era of Immigration Enforcement Unfolds in the U.S. Interior and at the Border under Trump 2.0
The transformation in U.S. immigration enforcement taking place at the U.S.-Mexico border and in communities across the United States during the second Trump term is tangibly captured in government data for fiscal year (FY) 2025. This short read sifts through the available data to look at encounters, arrests, detentions, and deportations during the fiscal year.
Reframing Return and Reintegration: Origin-country priorities and strategies for cooperation
As origin-country reintegration frameworks evolve, governance gaps and misaligned donor support remain major obstacles to effective cooperation on migrant return.
Trump Administration’s Expansion of Fast-Track Deportation Powers Is Transforming Immigration Enforcement
The Trump administration is using fast-track deportation powers on an unprecedented scale as it seeks to carry out 1 million deportations annually.
Beyond ICE: State and Local Authorities Become Central to Trump Administration Deportations Strategy
The Trump administration is deputizing state and local officers at record scale, reshaping U.S. immigration enforcement through 287(g) agreements, new funding, and legal pressures.
Making Migrant Return and Reintegration Sustainable: Lessons from two continents
This conversation explored emerging models, policy shifts, and lessons learned from the European and Latin American approaches to reintegration and support for returning migrants.
Can the Trump Administration’s “Self-Deportation” Campaign Succeed?
The Trump administration's “self-deportation” campaign pairs incentives for immigrants to leave with threats of steep fines and arrests for staying. Historical precedents suggest limited voluntary uptake.
Can Near-Historic Low Migrant Encounter Levels at the U.S.-Mexico Border Be Sustained?
Migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border have fallen to lows not seen since the 1960s. But can this trend continue amid a sharp policy shift to a deterrence-focused approach, setting aside a carrot-and-stick migration management strategy? This short read looks at the evidence.
The Health Costs to Children of Stepped-Up U.S. Immigration Enforcement
Evidence suggests heightened U.S. immigration enforcement will have major and lasting effects on the physical and mental health of unauthorized immigrants and their children.
