A recent report from the Fiscal Policy Institute indicates that New York State is home to approximately 670,000 residents who are undocumented migrants.
This group includes about 42,300 undocumented workers in the restaurant industry and 48,500 in construction.
The report sheds light on the significant presence of migrant workers within New York’s underground economy.
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In total, the state has 1.8 million non-citizens, which may encompass those with green cards as well.
The overall number of foreign-born residents in New York is approximately 4.5 million.
This information is particularly relevant as discussions around immigration policy intensify, especially in light of President Trump’s commitment to addressing illegal immigration.
- An estimated 51,200 illegal migrants work in the personal care industry — with 20,900 maids and housekeepers, 16,800 home health aides, 7,000 child care workers and 6,500 personal care aides.
- Some 42,300 restaurant workers are believed to be undocumented — 7,000 chefs, 17,000 cooks, 9,100 food prep workers and 9,200 waiters.
- Another 48,500 undocumented workers are part of the construction industry — 29,500 laborers, 12,800 carpenters and 6,200 painters.
- Over half of all crop workers in the US are foreign-born, and the vast majority of them are either undocumented or enrolled in an employer-sponsored federal H-2A program to work here.
