Undocumented immigrants play a significant role in Michigan’s demographic and economic landscape. While the state’s overall undocumented population is relatively modest compared to national hotspots, certain cities—particularly Detroit—stand out as key hubs for these residents.
Recent data and advocacy efforts highlight both the challenges and contributions of undocumented immigrants in Michigan’s urban centers.
Michigan’s Undocumented Immigrant Population: The Latest Numbers
As of 2021, undocumented immigrants made up approximately 1.2% of Michigan’s population, according to a Pew Research Center analysis.
This figure translates to tens of thousands of residents statewide. While Michigan’s undocumented population is larger than neighboring states like Ohio and Indiana in absolute numbers, it represents a smaller proportion of the population than in some other Midwest states.
Detroit: The Epicenter in Michigan
Detroit leads Michigan in the concentration of undocumented immigrants. The city’s status as a major urban center, combined with its historic role as a gateway for immigrants, has made it the primary destination for undocumented residents in the state.
Advocates in Detroit have been particularly active, pushing for expanded legal protections and access to services for undocumented individuals, including efforts to reinstate driver’s licenses for those without legal status.
Demographic and Economic Impact
Workforce Contribution: Undocumented immigrants are a vital part of Michigan’s workforce, especially in sectors such as agriculture, where the majority of visa workers come from Mexico.
Economic Footprint: Undocumented households in Michigan have a combined income of about $4 billion, underscoring their economic significance.
Population Trends: Michigan, like much of the Midwest, faces stagnant or declining population growth. Experts and advocates argue that attracting and retaining immigrants—including undocumented residents—is essential for reversing these trends and diversifying the state’s demographic makeup.
Policy and Political Landscape
Immigration remains a key issue in Michigan politics, particularly in light of national debates and changing federal enforcement priorities. Deportations in Michigan surged during the Trump administration, peaking at over 750 removals in 2019 before dropping to 350 in 2020. As of May 2021, more than 7,000 immigration cases were pending in Michigan courts.
Efforts to pass the Drive SAFE package, which would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, have faced political hurdles but remain a focal point for local advocacy.
National Context
While Michigan’s undocumented population is significant locally, it is relatively small compared to states like California, Texas, and Florida, each with hundreds of thousands to millions of undocumented residents.
The undocumented immigrant population in the U.S. was estimated at 10.99 million in 2022, with Michigan’s share remaining steady but crucial for the state’s labor force and demographic health.
Conclusion
Detroit stands as Michigan’s leading city for undocumented immigrants, reflecting broader trends of urban concentration and the vital roles these residents play in the state’s economy and communities.
As Michigan grapples with demographic challenges and shifting political winds, the experiences and contributions of undocumented immigrants—especially in Detroit—will remain central to the state’s future. Ongoing advocacy and policy debates will shape how Michigan integrates and supports this population in the years ahead.
Source:
[1] https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/12/11/undocumented-immigrants-michigan-population-chart-data
[2] https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/03/11/us-metro-areas-unauthorized-immigrants/
[3] https://ohss.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2024-06/2024_0418_ohss_estimates-of-the-unauthorized-immigrant-population-residing-in-the-united-states-january-2018%25E2%2580%2593january-2022.pdf
[4] https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/07/22/what-we-know-about-unauthorized-immigrants-living-in-the-us/
[5] https://www.migrationpolicy.org/data/unauthorized-immigrant-population/state/MI
[6] https://map.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/locations/michigan/
[7] https://www.migrationpolicy.org/programs/us-immigration-policy-program-data-hub/unauthorized-immigrant-population-profiles
[8] https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/new_americans_in_mid_michigan_2025.pdf