Have 1.6 million undocumented immigrants really left the U.S. this year?
Have 1.6 million undocumented immigrants really left the U.S. this year?
The Department of Homeland Security figure comes with caveats, researchers who study population demographics told CBS News, and it’s too early to conclude that there’s been a mass exodus.
Read the full article on CBS Politics
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's central claim regarding 1.6 million undocumented immigrants leaving the U.S. is presented with caveats, but the claim itself appears to be based on a potentially misleading interpretation of data. While DHS reports this number, other sources suggest different interpretations of immigration trends, and the article itself acknowledges the need for caution in interpreting the DHS figure. There is a moderate bias due to the framing of the issue and the selective use of information.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: 1.6 million undocumented immigrants have left the U.S. this year.
- Verification Source #1: DHS Secretary Noem announced that 1.6 million illegal immigrants have left the United States population.
- Verification Source #3: DHS Secretary Noem stated that 1.6 million illegal immigrants have left the United States population in less than 200 days.
- Verification Source #2: Pew Research Center indicates that immigrants leave the country every year, but does not specify a number close to 1.6 million for this year.
- Verification Source #4: The US foreign-born population increased by 1.6 million in 2023.
- Verification Source #5: Apprehensions at the border have dropped dramatically since 2000.
- Assessment: Contradicted. While DHS claims 1.6 million have left, Pew Research indicates a general trend of immigrants leaving annually, but doesn't support this specific number. Source 4 indicates the foreign-born population increased by 1.6 million in 2023, which contradicts the claim that 1.6 million have left this year. The claim is likely misleading, as it may be based on a specific timeframe or calculation that is not clearly defined or supported by broader immigration trends.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 4: The US foreign-born population reached a record 47.8 million in 2023, an increase of 1.6 million from the previous year.
- The article itself states that researchers advise caution in interpreting the DHS figure.