Migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border hit a record high at the end of 2023
The U.S. Border Patrol had nearly 250,000 encounters with migrants crossing into the United States from Mexico in December 2023.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
The U.S. Border Patrol had nearly 250,000 encounters with migrants crossing into the United States from Mexico in December 2023.
Majorities of White Christian groups say the large number of migrants seeking to enter at the border with Mexico is a “crisis” for the United States.
U.S. Hispanics are less likely than other Americans to say increasing deportations or a larger wall along the border will help the situation.
Just 18% of U.S. adults say the government is doing a good job dealing with the large number of migrants at the border. Eight-in-ten say it is doing a bad job, including 45% who say it’s doing a very bad job.
About six-in-ten Mexicans (59%) say that people who move to the U.S. have a better life there. 34% of Mexicans say that life is neither better nor worse in the U.S.
The unauthorized immigrant population in the United States reached 10.5 million in 2021. That was a modest increase over 2019 but nearly identical to 2017.
Just 23% of Americans say the government is doing a good job dealing with the large number of people seeking asylum at the border, while 73% say it’s doing a bad job.
An estimated 36.2 million Hispanics are eligible to vote this year, up from 32.3 million in 2020.
At least 81 voting members of Congress (15%) are foreign born or have at least one parent who was born in another country.
Majorities of adults in 18 of 24 countries surveyed this spring rate their nation’s economic situation poorly.
1615 L St. NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
USA
(+1) 202-419-4300 | Main
(+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax
(+1) 202-419-4372 | Media Inquiries
ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
© 2024 Pew Research Center