Asian and Pacific Islander Undocu Resources
Background
As of 2021, the total undocumented population in the U.S. is estimated to be around 11 million people, according to the Pew Research Center and other sources.
The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) estimates that approximately 1.5 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. are from Asia.
This represents about 14% of the total undocumented population.
Pacific Islander undocumented populations are smaller and often grouped with Asian communities in data, but specific numbers are harder to find.
Break down of country of origin:
India: Approximately 500,000 undocumented immigrants (one of the largest groups among API undocumented populations).
China: Around 300,000 undocumented immigrants (including mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan).
Philippines: Roughly 160,000 undocumented immigrants.
South Korea: Estimated 120,000 undocumented immigrants.
Vietnam: Approximately 50,000 undocumented immigrants.
Other Countries: Smaller numbers from countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Pacific Island nations.
The undocumented API population has grown significantly over the past two decades, particularly from countries like India and China, due to limited pathways to legalization.
Resources
Migration Policy Institute (MPI)
Website
- “Profile of the Unauthorized Population: United States"
- "Asian Immigrants in the United States"
Pew Research Center
Website
- "Unauthorized Immigrant Population Trends for States, Birth Countries, and Regions"
- "Asian Americans are the Fastest-Growing Racial or Ethnic Group in the U.S."
Center for Migration Studies (CMS)
Website
-
"Undocumented Immigrants in the United States: A Statistical Profile"
U.S. Census Bureau
Website
-
American Community Survey (ACS) data
