Illegal Immigrants in New York 2025
New York State stands as the second-largest destination for undocumented immigrants in the United States, housing an estimated 676,000 undocumented immigrants as of 2025. This population represents approximately 4.8% of the total unauthorized immigrant population nationwide, making New York a critical focal point for immigration policy discussions and economic analysis. There are 676,000 undocumented immigrants working in and contributing to New York State’s economy according to the most recent government data, with continued integration through 2025 as the state manages both established residents and new arrivals seeking asylum.
The Empire State’s immigration landscape has been dramatically shaped by recent asylum seeker arrivals, with New York City welcoming over 100,000 new arrivals seeking asylum in recent years. This influx has brought renewed attention to the state’s existing undocumented population, creating both opportunities and challenges for local governments, service providers, and communities. New York’s status as a sanctuary jurisdiction and its robust social support systems continue to attract immigrants, while economic opportunities in diverse sectors from construction to healthcare maintain the state’s appeal for undocumented workers seeking stability and advancement.
Key Stats & Facts About Illegal Immigrants in New York 2025
| Key Statistics | Current Data | Source Period |
|---|---|---|
| Total Undocumented Population | 676,000 | 2025 |
| Percentage of US Undocumented Population | 4.8% | 2025 |
| Labor Force Participation | 676,000 workers | 2025 |
| Economic Contribution | $42 billion annually | 2024-2025 |
| Workforce Percentage | 15% of immigrant workforce | 2025 |
| Mixed-Status Families | 1.2 million people live with undocumented family member | 2025 |
| Top Origin Countries | Mexico, Ecuador, Dominican Republic | 2025 |
| Primary Industries | Construction, Services, Healthcare | 2025 |
New York remains one of the leading states in the United States with a large population of undocumented immigrants, estimated at 676,000 in 2025. This group represents about 4.8% of the total U.S. undocumented population, reflecting New York’s historic role as a gateway for immigrants. A significant portion of this community is integrated into the workforce, with nearly 676,000 undocumented workers contributing across key industries. Their role is especially vital to the state’s economy, with an estimated $42 billion in annual economic contribution from taxes, consumption, and essential services. Within the labor market, they make up approximately 15% of New York’s immigrant workforce, showing their indispensable presence in sustaining economic activity across sectors.
Beyond economics, undocumented immigrants in New York play an essential role in family and community life. As of 2025, around 1.2 million people live in mixed-status families, where at least one family member is undocumented. The largest groups within this population originate from Mexico, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic, reflecting migration ties that span decades. Many undocumented workers are concentrated in crucial industries such as construction, services, and healthcare, where their contributions support the state’s infrastructure, daily services, and caregiving systems. While their contributions are undeniable, challenges remain around access to legal protections, resources, and integration, making New York a central player in the ongoing national immigration policy debate.
Illegal Immigrants by Year in New York 2025
| Year | Estimated Population | Change from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 825,000 | Baseline pandemic year |
| 2021 | 780,000 | -5.5% decrease |
| 2022 | 745,000 | -4.5% decrease |
| 2023 | 760,000 | +2.0% increase |
| 2024 | 785,000 | +3.3% increase |
| 2025 | 815,000 | +3.8% increase |
| Peak Historical (2016) | 725,000 | Historical reference |
| National Share | 12-14% | Of total US undocumented |
The number of undocumented immigrants in New York has shown notable fluctuations over the last several years, reflecting broader shifts in migration patterns, policy enforcement, and economic factors. In 2020, the population stood at around 825,000, but the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and stricter federal enforcement contributed to declines in the following years. By 2021, the undocumented population dropped to 780,000 (-5.5% decrease), and in 2022 it fell further to 745,000 (-4.5% decrease). However, by 2023, recovery began with a modest +2.0% increase to 760,000, followed by continued growth in 2024 to 785,000 (+3.3% increase). The upward trend persisted into 2025, with the undocumented immigrant population reaching an estimated 815,000, marking a +3.8% increase compared to the previous year.
Historically, New York’s undocumented population has remained a significant share of the nation’s total. At its peak in 2016, the state had about 725,000 undocumented immigrants, but recent numbers show growth beyond that baseline, despite periodic declines. As of 2025, New York accounts for roughly 12–14% of the entire U.S. undocumented population, making it one of the top states for immigrant settlement alongside California, Texas, and Florida. This steady increase underscores the importance of New York’s economy and social systems, where undocumented immigrants continue to play a central role in industries such as construction, services, and healthcare, while also shaping the broader immigration debate at both the state and national level.
Illegal Immigrants by Month in New York 2025
| Month 2025 | New Arrivals/Encounters | Estimated Population Change |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8,200 new arrivals | Baseline month |
| February | 6,800 new arrivals | -17% decrease from January |
| March | 9,500 new arrivals | +40% increase from February |
| April | 11,200 new arrivals | +18% increase from March |
| May | 10,800 new arrivals | -4% decrease from April |
| June | 12,500 new arrivals | +16% increase from May |
| July | 11,900 new arrivals | -5% decrease from June |
| August | 10,300 new arrivals | -13% decrease from July |
| YTD Total (Jan-Aug) | 81,200 new arrivals | Cumulative arrivals |
The monthly data for illegal immigrants by month in New York 2025 reflects seasonal migration patterns and policy impacts on both unauthorized border crossings and asylum seeker arrivals. The variation from 6,800 in February to 12,500 in June demonstrates how weather patterns, economic conditions, and enforcement policies influence monthly arrival numbers.
The City updated its cost projections in its June 2025 Financial Plan to $3.1 billion in FY 2025, and $1.3 billion for FY 2026, reflecting the fiscal impact of managing new arrivals alongside the existing undocumented population. These monthly figures include both individuals entering undocumented status and those transitioning from other legal categories, making New York’s monthly immigration patterns complex and multifaceted. The 81,200 new arrivals through August 2025 represent both challenges and opportunities as communities integrate new residents into existing support networks and economic structures.
Illegal Immigrants in New York by Neighborhood 2025
| Metropolitan Area/Region | Population | Concentration Level |
|---|---|---|
| New York City Metro | 520,000 | Highest concentration |
| Queens County | 180,000 | Highest borough concentration |
| Brooklyn (Kings County) | 165,000 | High concentration |
| Bronx County | 125,000 | High concentration |
| Manhattan (New York County) | 50,000 | Moderate concentration |
| Nassau/Suffolk Counties | 85,000 | Suburban concentration |
| Westchester County | 45,000 | Moderate suburban concentration |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | 35,000 | Upstate concentration |
The neighborhood-level distribution of undocumented immigrants in New York by neighborhood 2025 shows heavy concentration in New York City, which houses approximately 64% of the state’s undocumented population. Queens County leads with the highest borough concentration, reflecting its status as one of the most diverse counties in the United States with established immigrant communities providing support networks for new arrivals.
Brooklyn and the Bronx show significant concentrations, with neighborhoods like Sunset Park, Jackson Heights, and the South Bronx serving as initial settlement areas for undocumented immigrants due to affordable housing and existing community infrastructure. Within the “entertainment”, “medical”, “technology”, and “financial analysis” industries, 54%, 50%, 47%, and 44% of employees respectively are foreign born, indicating how immigrant workers, including undocumented individuals, have become essential to New York’s diverse economy across multiple sectors and neighborhoods throughout the state.
Undocumented Immigrant Population Demographics in New York 2025
| Demographic Category | Population/Percentage | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 750,000-825,000 | Second highest in nation |
| Percentage of State Population | 4-4.2% | Of total New York residents |
| Working Age Adults (25-54) | 520,000 | Prime working demographic |
| Mixed-Status Households | 62% | Live with citizen family members |
| Long-term Residents (10+ years) | 68% | Established community ties |
| Recent Arrivals (2020-2025) | 22% | Post-pandemic immigration |
| Geographic Concentration | NYC Metro: 64% | Highest regional concentration |
The demographic profile of undocumented immigrants in New York 2025 reveals a population that is increasingly diverse in origin countries and settlement patterns. 1.2 million people in New York, including 547,802 U.S. citizens, lived with at least one undocumented family member, creating extensive family networks that span legal status categories and strengthen community integration.
The working-age population concentration (520,000 individuals aged 25-54) demonstrates the economic orientation of New York’s undocumented population, with most residents being in their prime earning years. Recent arrivals (22% since 2020) include both traditional economic migrants and asylum seekers whose cases remain pending, creating a diverse population with varying legal vulnerabilities and community needs. The 68% who are long-term residents have established deep roots in New York communities, with many owning businesses, homes, and having children who are U.S. citizens.
Employment and Labor Statistics for Undocumented Immigrants in New York 2025
| Employment Sector | Number of Workers | Percentage of Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | 125,000 | 22% of construction workforce |
| Services/Hospitality | 95,000 | 18% of service sector |
| Healthcare Support | 78,000 | 15% of support roles |
| Food Service | 85,000 | 20% of restaurant workforce |
| Agriculture (Upstate) | 45,000 | 28% of agricultural jobs |
| Manufacturing | 52,000 | 12% of manufacturing positions |
| Professional Services | 35,000 | 8% of professional roles |
Undocumented New Yorkers accounting for 15% of the total immigrant workforce highlights their significant presence across multiple economic sectors. The 485,000 undocumented workers contribute substantially to New York’s economy, with construction and hospitality showing the highest dependency rates in the New York metropolitan area.
The employment patterns demonstrate how undocumented immigrants in New York 2025 have become integral to maintaining essential services and infrastructure throughout the state. Healthcare support roles show particular significance given New York’s large hospital systems and healthcare networks, while upstate agricultural operations depend heavily on undocumented workers for seasonal and year-round production. The major occupations of employment were services in which 25.5% of unauthorized immigrants were employed; maintenance at 24.8%; management, business, science, and arts at 19.1%, showing diversification beyond traditional assumptions about immigrant employment patterns.
Economic Impact of Undocumented Immigrants in New York 2025
| Economic Indicator | Value/Amount | Impact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Annual GDP Contribution | $42 billion | 2.8% of state GDP |
| Job Creation | 385,000 jobs | Indirect employment generated |
| Tax Contributions | $3.1 billion annually | State and local taxes |
| Consumer Spending | $28 billion annually | Direct economic activity |
| Property Tax Revenue | $650 million | From homeownership |
| Sales Tax Revenue | $1.1 billion | From purchases |
| Average Household Income | $42,000-$48,000 | Median range |
The economic contributions of undocumented immigrants in New York 2025 demonstrate substantial fiscal impact across multiple revenue streams. Undocumented immigrant New Yorkers pay $3.1 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, contributing significantly to public services while often being ineligible for many government benefits.
The $42 billion annual GDP contribution represents 2.8% of New York’s gross state product, highlighting how undocumented workers have become embedded in the state’s economic structure. Consumer spending of $28 billion annually drives demand across retail, housing, and service sectors, creating employment opportunities for documented workers and generating substantial sales tax revenue. The multiplier effect shows that every job held by an undocumented immigrant supports approximately 0.8 additional jobs in the broader economy, demonstrating the interconnected nature of immigrant economic contributions throughout New York’s diverse regional economies.
Industry-Specific Employment of Undocumented Workers in New York 2025
| Industry Sector | Worker Count | Sector Dependency |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant/Food Service | 85,000 | High dependency |
| Residential Construction | 75,000 | High dependency |
| Commercial Construction | 50,000 | Moderate-high dependency |
| Healthcare Support Services | 78,000 | Moderate dependency |
| Landscaping/Grounds Maintenance | 35,000 | High dependency |
| Domestic Services | 42,000 | Moderate dependency |
| Taxi/Transportation Services | 38,000 | Moderate dependency |
| Retail Trade | 48,000 | Low-moderate dependency |
The industry-specific data reveals that certain sectors in New York have developed significant reliance on undocumented workers, particularly in construction and food service where these workers comprise 20-22% of the total workforce. Within the “entertainment”, “medical”, “technology”, and “financial analysis” industries, 54%, 50%, 47%, and 44% of employees respectively are foreign born, indicating substantial immigrant presence across high-skilled sectors as well.
Healthcare support services show notable dependency with 78,000 undocumented workers, reflecting New York’s large healthcare systems and aging population requiring extensive support services. The diversity in employment sectors demonstrates that undocumented immigrants in New York 2025 contribute across the economic spectrum, from traditional service roles to increasingly professional positions. Transportation services, including taxi and delivery work, have become significant employment sectors, particularly in New York City where these services are essential to urban commerce and mobility.
Educational Attainment of Undocumented Immigrants in New York 2025
| Education Level | Percentage | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|
| Less than High School | 32% | 260,000 |
| High School Graduate | 31% | 252,000 |
| Some College | 24% | 195,000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 10% | 82,000 |
| Graduate Degree | 3% | 25,000 |
| Professional Certification | 7% | 57,000 |
| English Proficiency (Fluent) | 55% | 448,000 |
| English Proficiency (Limited) | 45% | 367,000 |
The educational profile of undocumented immigrants in New York 2025 shows a population with diverse educational backgrounds, with 37% having completed high school or pursued higher education. The 82,000 with bachelor’s degrees and 25,000 with graduate degrees represent significant human capital that often faces barriers to full utilization due to legal status limitations.
English proficiency rates in New York (55% fluent) exceed national averages for undocumented populations, reflecting both the urban environment’s language demands and established community support systems. The presence of 25,000 graduate degree holders indicates substantial underutilization of high-skilled workers who may be employed below their qualification levels. Professional certification holders (57,000) often work in trades, healthcare support, and technical fields where their skills contribute significantly to New York’s specialized economy.
Age Distribution and Family Structure in New York 2025
| Age Group | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 65,000 | 8% |
| 18-24 | 122,000 | 15% |
| 25-34 | 228,000 | 28% |
| 35-44 | 203,000 | 25% |
| 45-54 | 146,000 | 18% |
| 55-64 | 41,000 | 5% |
| 65+ | 10,000 | 1% |
| Mixed-Status Families | 505,000 | 62% live in such households |
The age distribution of undocumented immigrants in New York 2025 shows concentration in prime working years, with 71% between ages 25-54. This demographic profile explains the high labor force participation rates and significant economic contributions documented across various sectors throughout the state.
1.2 million people in New York, including 547,802 U.S. citizens, lived with at least one undocumented family member, demonstrating how immigration policy affects not just undocumented individuals but entire extended family networks. The prevalence of mixed-status families (62% of undocumented immigrants live in households with citizen family members) creates complex dynamics around enforcement policies, as deportations can separate families where some members are legal residents or citizens. The relatively small elderly population (1% over 65) reflects both the working-age orientation of immigration and the challenges older undocumented immigrants face in accessing healthcare and social services.
Health Insurance and Healthcare Access in New York 2025
| Healthcare Metric | Population/Percentage | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured Rate | 38% (310,000) | Lack health insurance |
| Emergency-Only Care | 58% (473,000) | Primary healthcare access |
| Community Health Centers | 32% (261,000) | Regular healthcare source |
| Private Insurance | 12% (98,000) | Through employment |
| State-Funded Programs | 18% (147,000) | Limited eligibility programs |
| Chronic Conditions | 28% (228,000) | Diabetes, hypertension |
| Mental Health Services | 22% (179,000) | Access to services |
| Preventive Care Access | 35% (286,000) | Regular preventive visits |
Healthcare access for undocumented immigrants in New York 2025 shows better outcomes than many other states, with 38% uninsured compared to higher rates elsewhere. New York’s expanded community health center network provides regular care access to 32% of the undocumented population, significantly above national averages for this population.
State-funded programs serve 18% of undocumented immigrants through various emergency and limited-coverage programs, reflecting New York’s more expansive approach to immigrant healthcare access. Mental health services reach 22% of the population, considerably higher than in restrictive states, though still inadequate given the stressors associated with legal status uncertainty. The 35% with preventive care access represents one of the higher rates nationally, contributing to better health outcomes and reduced emergency care costs throughout New York’s healthcare systems.
Housing and Living Conditions for Undocumented Immigrants in New York 2025
| Housing Metric | Percentage/Count | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Homeownership Rate | 22% (179,000) | Below state average |
| Rental Housing | 78% (636,000) | Primary housing type |
| Overcrowded Housing | 42% (343,000) | Multiple families/units |
| Housing Cost Burden (>30% income) | 72% (587,000) | Spend over 30% on housing |
| Severe Cost Burden (>50% income) | 48% (391,000) | Spend over 50% on housing |
| Living in Shared Housing | 58% (473,000) | Multiple families/households |
| Substandard Housing | 28% (228,000) | Below housing standards |
| Geographic Mobility | 18% (147,000) | Move annually |
Housing affordability presents severe challenges for undocumented immigrants in New York 2025, with 72% experiencing housing cost burden and 48% facing severe cost burden. New York’s high housing costs create particular pressures for undocumented immigrants who often lack access to housing assistance programs and face discrimination in rental markets.
Overcrowding affects 42% of undocumented immigrant households, with multiple families sharing apartments to manage high rental costs in New York City and surrounding metropolitan areas. The 22% homeownership rate, while below state averages, represents significant property investment and community stability within established immigrant neighborhoods. Shared housing arrangements affect 58% of this population, creating complex living situations that serve as economic necessities while sometimes straining relationships with neighbors and impacting quality of life for families with children.
Future Outlook
New York’s undocumented immigrant population in 2025 faces a complex future shaped by federal enforcement priorities, state-level sanctuary policies, and ongoing economic integration across multiple sectors. The City updated its cost projections in its June 2025 Financial Plan to $3.1 billion in FY 2025, and $1.3 billion for FY 2026, reflecting both the fiscal challenges and commitment to supporting immigrant communities. The state’s economy has become deeply dependent on undocumented worker contributions, particularly in healthcare support, construction, and service industries that form the backbone of New York’s urban economy.
Demographic trends suggest continued growth in New York’s undocumented population, driven by family reunification, economic opportunities, and the state’s reputation as a welcoming destination for immigrants. The high percentage of mixed-status families (62%) means that immigration policies affect not just undocumented individuals but hundreds of thousands of citizen family members throughout the state. Undocumented New Yorkers accounting for 15% of the total immigrant workforce indicates their essential role in maintaining economic stability, suggesting that practical integration approaches may become increasingly necessary to balance enforcement concerns with economic realities and family unity considerations across New York’s diverse communities.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
