15 States With Most Illegal Immigrants Per Capita

Published on February 15, 2017 at 8:40 am by Ty Haqqi in Lists

The 15 states with most illegal immigrants per capita highlights one of the most popular and controversial debates currently taking place in America. Particularly since even this commonly written and googled term is insensitive for some–many prefer “undocumented immigrants” or even “unauthorized migrant.” The recent increase in undocumented immigrants on a global scale has been attributed to the civil war taking place in Syria, where tens of thousands have fled the country to secure their lives against terrorism perpetrated by ISIS and the brutal regime of President Bashar Al Assad. These refugees have moved to various European countries such as Greece, Germany, and France, with Germany being particularly noted for welcoming them with open arms. Others have fled to the United States and Canada, with the latter once again being happy to accept the refugees.

However, this has raised heated debate in America, with many people supporting and welcoming refugees and immigrants, while others have condemned the move and termed it to be “unAmerican.” This topic received national attention when Donald Trump, while campaigning for becoming the President of the United States, declared that he would get rid of illegal immigrants in the U.S., which included not just the aforementioned refugees but other groups as well. His attacks were often directed at Muslim people and Mexico in particular. In fact, he made a frankly ludicrous promise that a wall would be built on America’s border with Mexico, and that Mexico would be made to pay for it. This ignores the fact that according to all statistics, the net migration from Mexico is actually negative.

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Personally, I think that illegal immigration should not be encouraged, especially because it drains the resources of a country. But on the other hand, usurping those who might have been undocumented at one point, but have now established a life in a country serves no purpose either. While many of the supporters of the policy of deporting illegal immigrants claim that their tax dollars are used to support such people who themselves pay no taxes, illegal immigrants actually contribute an incredible $12 billion into Social Security.

Furthermore, according to PEW, the number of illegal immigrants is actually steadily decreasing, having reached its peak back in 2008 at 12 million. Currently, Migration Policy estimates the figure to be at 11 million. It has also estimated how these 11 million are distributed in the 50 states. We used this information and combined it with the total population of each state to find out the 15 states with the most illegal immigrants per capita. If you would rather simply know the states with the most illegal immigrants, you might want to head on over to the Top 10 US States invaded by illegal immigrants.

15. Colorado

Illegal immigrants per 10,000 people: 324.1

Mexicans make up nearly three-fourths of the illegal immigrants population though most of them have resided in the state for several years.

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14. Florida

Illegal immigrants per 10,000 people: 324.4

Mexico and Guatemala are the top contributors to undocumented immigrants, while most of the population is above the age of 25.

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13. Washington

Illegal immigrants per 10,000 people: 325.7

Once again, Mexico is the preferred country of birth for the illegal immigrants, comprising over 70% of the illegal immigrants population.

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12. New Mexico

Illegal immigrants per 10,000 people: 330.2

As suggested by its name, Mexicans dominate again, with 9 out of every 10 immigrants being Mexicans.

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11. Virginia

Illegal immigrants per 10,000 people: 340

El Salvador is one of the primary exports of illegal immigrants to Virginia, the next one on our list of states with most illegal immigrants per capita, while a quarter of the populations comes from Asia.

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10. North Carolina

Illegal immigrants per 10,000 people: 354.5

92% of the children who are counted among the illegal immigrants are enrolled in schools, while 66% are employed, thereby contributing to the economy.

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9. Arizona

Illegal immigrants per 10,000 people: 381.7

With an illegal immigrant population of a quarter of a million people, it is hardly surprising to see Arizona make the list of 15 states with most illegal immigrants per capita.

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8. Georgia

Illegal immigrants per 10,000 people: 389.1

65% of the illegal population in Georgia, number eight on our list of states with most illegal immigrants per capita is employed, with almost a quarter of them working in the construction industry.

7. Illinois

Illegal immigrants per 10,000 people: 404.5

87% of the illegal population in Illinois has resided in America for at least 5 years, while nearly a fifth has been in the country for over 20 years.

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6. Maryland

Illegal immigrants per 10,000 people: 438.2

51,000 of the 253,000 illegal immigrants in Maryland, next on our list of states with most illegal immigrants per capita comprise of people from El Salvador, while 32% of the illegal immigrants even own homes.

5. New York

Illegal immigrants per 10,000 people: 438.6

New York, known for its diversity, even has a diverse illegal immigrant population, with people present from Mexico, China, Ecuador, and Guatemala.

4. Nevada

Illegal immigrants per 10,000 people: 477.7

Apparently, the illegal immigrants in Nevada, next on our list of states with most illegal immigrants per capita have a creative side, with a majority being employed in arts, recreation, and educational expenses.

3. New Jersey

Illegal immigrants per 10,000 people: 566.4

Nearly half a million people in New Jersey are illegal immigrants, with Mexicans, Indians, and Ecuadorians making up the bulk of such immigrants.

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2. Texas

Illegal immigrants per 10,000 people: 584.6

Unsurprisingly, 23% of the 1.5 million illegal immigrants in Texas are employed in the construction industry, while a staggering 72% are completely uninsured.