By the Numbers Breakdown:

• Nearly 1.4 million migrants were released into the interior in Fiscal Year 2023, with over one million released by the Border Patrol alone.
• 850,000 visitors overstayed their visas and remained in the country illegally in 2022.
• 670,000 aliens were reported to have entered the country illegally without apprehension and blended into the underground workforce that employers exploit as there is no requirement to use the free E-Verify online system to verify work authorization.
• 1,018,349 individuals obtained lawful permanent residence (green cards) in FY 2022.

Illegal Immigration vs. Legal Permanent Immigration

There are three categories of migrants and immigration recognized under U.S. law: Immigrants (legal immigration: permanent), nonimmigrants (legal immigration: temporary), and illegal aliens (illegal immigration).

See the State Department Directory of Visa Categories for more.