Counting California's Cast of Characters: How Many Undocumented Immigrants in 2023?
Ah, California. Land of sunshine, avocados, and a whole lot of people. But how many of those people are, well, undocumented? That's a question that's trickier to answer than finding a decent parking spot in Disneyland.
California's Cloak and Dagger Demographics
Unlike counting beach bums or Hollywood hopefuls, undocumented immigrants don't exactly fill out a census survey with their social security number. So, getting a precise headcount is like finding a unicorn...possible, but wildly improbable.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
Enter the Squirrel with a Spreadsheet (Seriously!)
Researchers rely on estimates, and those estimates can get pretty creative. One study suggests consulting a "shadowy figure in a trenchcoat who whispers secrets" (not sure how helpful that is at the grocery store). Thankfully, other organizations use slightly more reliable methods, like surveys and data analysis.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
Here's what some of the number crunchers have revealed:
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The Pew Research Center thinks there were around 1.85 million undocumented immigrants in California in 2021. That's down from a high of 2.8 million in 2007. So, progress?
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The Public Policy Institute of California chimes in with a similar number, estimating that 18% of California's immigrants were undocumented in 2021.
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
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| How Many Illegal Immigrants In California 2023 |
The Bottom Line (Kind Of)
So, how many undocumented immigrants are in California in 2023? The exact answer is a bit of a mystery, but those 2021 estimates suggest it's somewhere around 1.85 million.
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
Remember: Numbers are fuzzy, squirrels with spreadsheets are probably not real (but a fun thought!), and the most important thing is to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their immigration status.
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