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Estimates of migrants who entered the U.S. illegally under the Biden administration range from
6 million to 10 million. The final net increase in the undocumented population is lower than total encounter numbers because millions were turned away or deported. [
1,
2]
Border enforcement data provides the following breakdown:
- Total Encounters: U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded roughly 10 million migrant encounters at the borders between 2021 and late 2024. [1, 2]
- Got-Aways: An estimated 1.5 million to 2 million individuals evaded capture and crossed without being apprehended. [1, 2, 3]
- Net Population Increase: The Migration Policy Institute estimates net entries (individuals who crossed and remained in the U.S.) at about 6 million. [1]