The estimated population of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. stands at around ** million people. Although the number has stabilized, the United States has seen a spike in migrant encounters in the last few years, with over * million cases registered by the U.S. Border Patrol in 2023. This is a slight decrease from the previous year, when there were over *** million cases registered. Due to its proximity and shared border, Mexico remains the leading country of origin for most undocumented immigrants in the U.S., with California and Texas being home to the majority.

Immigration and political division

Despite the majority of the population having immigrant roots, the topic of immigration in the U.S. remains one of the country’s longest-standing political debates. Support among Republicans for restrictive immigration has grown alongside Democratic support for open immigration. This growing divide has deepened the polarization between the two major political parties, stifling constructive dialogue and impeding meaningful reform efforts and as a result, has led to dissatisfaction from all sides. In addition to general immigration policy, feelings toward illegal immigration in the U.S. also vary widely. For some, it's seen as a significant threat to national security, cultural identity, and economic stability. This perspective often aligns with support for stringent measures like Trump's proposed border wall and increased enforcement efforts. On the other hand, there are those who are more sympathetic toward undocumented immigrants, as demonstrated by support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Border Crossing Data provide summary statistics for inbound crossings at the U.S.-Canada and the U.S.-Mexico border at the port level. Data are available for trucks, trains, containers, buses, personal vehicles, passengers, and pedestrians. Border crossing data are collected at ports of entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The data reflect the number of vehicles, containers, passengers or pedestrians entering the United States. CBP does not collect comparable data on outbound crossings. Users seeking data on outbound counts may therefore want to review data from individual bridge operators, border state governments, or the Mexican and Canadian governments.

Significantly more men were apprehended by the United States Border Patrol than women in the the fiscal year of 2020. Nationwide, 329,347 men were apprehended by Border Patrol in that year, compared to 75,678 women who were apprehended.

In the fiscal year of 2020, the United States Border Patrol apprehended ******* people trying to cross the Southwest border. This was a significant decrease from the previous year, when there were ******* apprehensions by Border Patrol at the Southwest border. This decrease is likely due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

As a result of the crisis between Belarus and the European Union, Polish border services recorded approximately *** illegal attempts to cross the Polish-Belarusian border in December 2024. Around ****** immigrants, mainly from Middle Eastern and African countries, attempted to cross the border illegally in 2024. It was nearly ***** more than in the previous year. The latest data from April 2025 indicates a significant decrease in illegal crossings, with more than ***** recorded attempts.In 2021, due to the actions of Alexander Lukashenko's government, a migration crisis was initiated on Belarus's border with the European Union. The Belarusian authorities contributed by organizing the transfer of refugees and immigrants from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries of the Middle East and Africa across the Belarusian-Lithuanian and Belarusian-Polish-Latvian borders. These actions were meant to respond to EU sanctions against Belarus caused by the rigged presidential election in 2020 and the repression of oppositionists.

In 2023, there were 99,068 incidents of illegal border-crossings occurring on the Western Balkan route into the European Union, compared with just under 6,000 in 2018.

In 2023 there were 5,608 illegal border crossings into the European Union via it's Eastern borders, compared with 8,160 in 2021. This route typically sees far fewer illegal crossings than the Mediterranean Sea does, however, these have increased sharply in recent years, as the Lukashenko regime in Belarus - a state hostile to the European Union - has allowed increased migration to the EU via its borders with Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. These migrants are generally not Belarussians, but migrants transitting through Belarus to the EU, mostly from the Middle East or North Africa. The Lukashenko regime aims to put pressure on the EU to remove sanctions on Belarus, which have been in place since the country's fraudulent election in 2020 and the subsequent suppression of the mass protest movement which developed to oppose the regime.

In 2023, there were over 380,000 illegal border crossings detected at the borders of the European Union, with the Central Mediterranean route detecting the highest number of crossings at 157,479.

This data package includes the underlying data to replicate the charts and calculations presented in The effect of lawful crossing on unlawful crossing at the US southwest border, PIIE Working Paper 24-10.

If you use the data, please cite as: Clemens, Michael A. 2024. The effect of lawful crossing on unlawful crossing at the US southwest border. PIIE Working Paper 24-10. Washington: Peterson Institute for International Economics.

In 2024, there were approximately 239,159 illegal border crossings made at borders of the European Union, with Syrian's being the most common nationality, at 44,237.

The data presented in the statistical annex of this publication includes several tables containing information on illegal border-crossing. Data about the top ten nationalities at the EU external borders between 2011 and 2014 are presented in terms of illegal border-crossing by border type, clandestine entries, facilitators, illegal stay, refusals of entry, reasons for refusals of entry, document fraudsters, fraudulent documents, return decisions issued and effective returns. For several of the above-mentioned variables, the place of detection (e.g., inland, air, land, land intra-EU) is indicated too, as well as information on the country share of total reported cases and the percentage of change from the previous year. The numerical data is supplemented with charts and maps.

The border security market is a dynamic landscape characterized by a diverse range of advanced technologies designed to enhance surveillance, detection, and response capabilities. These solutions address the increasing challenges of transnational crime, terrorism, and illegal immigration. Cameras: Cutting-edge camera systems, incorporating high-resolution imaging, night vision, thermal imaging, and sophisticated AI-powered analytics, provide comprehensive border surveillance. These systems enable real-time threat detection, automated alerts, and improved situational awareness for border patrol agents. Radars: Long-range radar systems play a vital role in detecting and tracking moving objects, regardless of weather conditions or visibility. This technology significantly enhances the ability to monitor vast border areas and prevent illegal crossings. Lasers: High-precision laser-based perimeter intrusion detection systems offer highly reliable and accurate detection of unauthorized border crossings. These systems provide timely alerts, minimizing response times and enhancing security effectiveness. Unmanned Vehicles (UAVs): Aerial and ground-based unmanned vehicles provide flexible and cost-effective solutions for enhanced border surveillance and patrol. UAVs offer real-time data acquisition, remote monitoring capabilities, and the ability to reach inaccessible areas. Biometric Systems: Biometric technologies, including facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and iris scanning, offer secure and efficient traveler identification and verification. These systems streamline border processing, reduce wait times, and enhance security by preventing identity fraud. Data Analytics and Intelligence Platforms: Sophisticated software platforms integrate data from diverse sources, providing actionable intelligence to support strategic decision-making and resource allocation. These platforms enhance predictive capabilities and allow for proactive responses to emerging threats. Recent developments include: In January 2021, Idemia and the French Ministry of the Interior signed a contract for a new biometric border control system. The Idemia was providing a biometric border control system to the French government. A high-performance border control system was implemented to coordinate and harmonize all border control activities to reduce traveler time during border control checks., In November 2020, SAIC won a $973 million contract for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to identify security threats to passengers and cargo.. Key drivers for this market are: Increased Terrorism and Transnational Crime: Escalating terrorism and transnational crime, including drug trafficking and human smuggling, drive the demand for advanced border security solutions. Border Management Challenges: Governments face challenges in managing vast borders, detecting illegal crossings, and preventing the smuggling of contraband and illicit substances.. Potential restraints include: High Implementation Costs: Advanced border security technologies can be expensive to implement and maintain, posing challenges for governments with limited budgets. Privacy Concerns: The use of biometric technologies and surveillance systems raises privacy concerns, requiring careful consideration and regulatory oversight.. Notable trends are: Integration of IoT and Cloud Computing: IoT devices and cloud computing platforms enable the integration and analysis of data from various sources, improving border security operations and decision-making. Blockchain Technology: Blockchain technology enhances data security and integrity in border management systems, providing a secure and tamper-proof platform for information exchange..

This report contains statistical data on illegal immigration at the eastern borders of the European Union for the period 2011–2013. The core of the overview are the countries in the European Borders Risk Analysis Network, and namely Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine, and monthly statistical data from neighbouring countries: Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania covering the year 2013. Six key indicators of illegal migration are measured: (1) detections of illegal border-crossing, (2) detections of facilitators, (3) detections of illegal stay, (4) refusals of entry; (5) detections of document fraud and (6) asylum applications. The data in the report are presented in several charts and maps.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, the number of detections of illegal border-crossing (IBC) between Border Crossing Points at the EU’s external border was at the lowest level for a fourth quarter since 2013, and at the second-lowest level for any quarter since the EU-Turkey Statement entered into force. The 39% fall compared to Q4 2016, reflects in particular strong decreases on the Central Mediterranean and the Western Balkan routes, against which stood strong relative increases on the Western Mediterranean sea route and on the Eastern Mediterranean route.

On account of intensified activities of the Libyan Coast Guard the Central Mediterranean route registered a strong relative decrease compared to Q4 2016 (-72%) and the lowest quarterly aggregate number of illegal border-crossings since Q1 2015. The sudden uptick in launches from Tunisia (almost exclusively Tunisians), recorded already in Q3 2017, continued in Q4 2017 (3 770).

On the Eastern Mediterranean route, despite the season, the flow stayed at a high level, in fact the second-highest quarterly total since the implementation of the EU‑Turkey Statement was recorded, despite the commitment exhibited by the Turkish side to border control. In particular, the large share of Syrians observed in Q3 2017 continued. Meanwhile, at the land border the strong influx of Turkish migrants continued (making up 44% of the flow).

On the Western Mediterranean Sea route, yet another record number of detections was recorded, with a quarter that exceeded the annual total of any year in FRAN historical data before 2016. This record high occurred notwithstanding intense patrolling activities and preventions of departure by Moroccan and Algerian maritime assets. Of the 9 444 detections on both the sea and land route, 8 662 (92%) claimed to be minors. The mostly male minors from Algeria and Morocco in debriefings professed to have been sent by their families to earn a living in Europe. In contrast, on the Western Mediterranean land route, the number of illegal border crossings fell to a record low of a mere 47 detections.

On the Western Balkan route, a new subroute from Greece via Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to Croatia, has been emerging.

As regards other FRAN indicators and again in comparison to Q4 2016, the fall of the numbers of return decisions, effective returns as well as asylum applications coincides with the fall in illegal border crossings. Even though there are gaps in the data reported by Member States for clandestine entry, the decline in the numbers reported for this indicator may well be due to the difficulty to detect clandestine entries. Finally it is worth noting that detected illegal stays on exit saw moderate increases.

In 2022, 696 illegal immigrants used the Albanian-Greek circular route to reach the European Union, compared with over 40,000 thirteen years earlier in 2009.

Automated Border Control Solution Market Outlook

The global automated border control solution market size was valued at approximately USD 1.5 billion in 2023, and it is expected to reach around USD 5.8 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.8% during the forecast period. The surge in demand for these solutions is driven by increasing international travel, stringent security measures, and technological advancements in biometric systems.

One major growth factor fueling the automated border control solution market is the increasing volume of international travel. As globalization progresses, the need for efficient yet secure border control systems becomes paramount. Automated systems like biometric verification not only expedite the border crossing process but also enhance security, making them an attractive option for governments and private operators. The rise in international tourism, as well as business travel, has put a significant strain on traditional manual border control methods, necessitating the adoption of automated solutions to manage the flow of people efficiently.

Technological advancements are another critical driver of this market. The integration of sophisticated technologies such as facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and iris recognition into automated border control systems has significantly improved their accuracy and reliability. These technologies offer faster processing times and higher levels of security compared to manual checks. Moreover, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are further enhancing the capabilities of these systems, allowing for real-time data analysis and threat detection.

Government regulations and policies are also playing a crucial role in the growth of the automated border control solution market. Increasing concerns about national security, terrorism, and illegal immigration have prompted governments worldwide to invest in advanced border control technologies. Policies mandating the use of biometric data for border security are becoming more prevalent, further driving the demand for automated solutions. Additionally, international collaborations and agreements are also fostering the adoption of these systems, as countries aim to streamline border control processes and enhance security.

From a regional perspective, North America and Europe are leading the market in terms of adoption and implementation of automated border control solutions. These regions have well-established infrastructures and are early adopters of advanced technologies, which positions them at the forefront of the market. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, driven by increasing investments in infrastructure development and a rising number of international travelers. The Middle East and Africa, and Latin America are also expected to contribute significantly to the market growth, albeit at a slower pace compared to other regions.

Component Analysis

The automated border control solution market is segmented into hardware, software, and services. Hardware components are integral to the functioning of automated border control systems, including biometric scanners, cameras, and e-gates. These hardware elements are crucial for capturing and verifying biometric data such as fingerprints, facial features, and iris patterns. The demand for robust and reliable hardware solutions is driving significant investments in research and development. Companies are continually innovating to enhance the durability, accuracy, and speed of these components, ensuring they can handle high volumes of traffic efficiently.

Software components play an equally important role in the automated border control ecosystem. These include the algorithms and platforms responsible for processing biometric data, managing user databases, and integrating with other security systems. The software segment is witnessing rapid growth due to advancements in AI and ML, which are enhancing the capabilities of border control systems. These technologies enable real-time data analysis, threat detection, and decision-making, making border crossings safer and more efficient. Additionally, software updates and cybersecurity measures are critical for maintaining the integrity and security of border control systems.

Services encompass the installation, maintenance, and ongoing support required for automated border control systems. As these solutions become more sophisticated, the need for specialized services is increasing. Governments

In 2023 there were over 350,000 illegal border crossing detecting on the borders of the European Union, the most crossings recorded since 2017 when there were over 204,000. Illegal border crossings peaked in 2015 at the height of the European migrant crisis, when over 1.8 million illegal border crossing were detected.

Il-Frontex tiġbor u tipproċessa data mill-Istati Membri dwar l-għadd ta’ detezzjonijiet ta’ qsim illegali tal-fruntieri fil-fruntieri esterni tal-Istati Membri tal-Unjoni Ewropea. Is-sett ta’ data jipprovdi l-aħħar ċifri dwar ir-rotot ewlenin użati mill-migranti biex jidħlu fl-Unjoni Ewropea.

The global border security market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach $22.83 billion in 2025 and maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Increased geopolitical instability and cross-border crime necessitate enhanced security measures at land, air, and sea borders. Technological advancements, including AI-powered surveillance systems, biometric authentication, and advanced analytics, are revolutionizing border control, improving efficiency and effectiveness while simultaneously addressing challenges like human trafficking and illegal immigration. The rising adoption of integrated border management systems (IBMS) that connect various security components is another significant driver. Furthermore, government investments in infrastructure upgrades and modernization across various countries fuel market growth. The market's segmentation reflects this diversification, with significant contributions from all three application areas: land, air, and water border security. Land border security, due to its complexity and the need for extensive physical infrastructure and surveillance, likely holds the largest market share. The market is witnessing several emerging trends, including the growing use of drone technology for border surveillance, the integration of big data and predictive analytics for risk assessment, and the increasing focus on cybersecurity to protect sensitive border control systems. However, challenges remain, such as the high initial investment costs associated with advanced technologies and the need for skilled personnel to operate and maintain these systems. Data privacy concerns related to the use of biometric data also pose a restraint on market growth. Nevertheless, the overall outlook for the border security market remains positive, fueled by continued technological innovation and the persistent need for robust border protection worldwide. Key players, including BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and several prominent Chinese technology companies, are actively competing to provide cutting-edge solutions. Regional market analysis reveals strong growth across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, reflecting the global nature of this critical sector.