As the national debate over immigration policy intensifies, the presence and role of undocumented immigrants in New Mexico has come under renewed scrutiny. While New Mexico is not among the states with the largest overall unauthorized immigrant populations, its cities and communities have a distinct demographic profile shaped by proximity to the border and longstanding migration patterns.
This article explores the latest data on undocumented immigrants in New Mexico, highlights the cities most affected, and examines the broader context of these trends.
New Mexico’s Undocumented Immigrant Population: Latest Statistics
According to the most recent available estimates, New Mexico was home to approximately 60,000 undocumented immigrants in 2016, comprising about 29% of the state’s total immigrant population and around 3% of the overall state population.
While newer nationwide data from 2022 and 2025 show increases in unauthorized immigrant numbers nationally, New Mexico’s share has remained relatively stable compared to states like Texas, Florida, and California, which have seen significant changes in recent years.
Foreign-born persons made up an estimated 9.2% of New Mexico’s population in 2022, and nearly one in eight workers in the state is an immigrant. The majority of these immigrants—over 70%—originate from Mexico.
Albuquerque: The City with the Largest Undocumented Population
Within New Mexico, Albuquerque stands out as the metropolitan area with the largest population of undocumented immigrants. As the state’s largest city and economic hub, Albuquerque attracts immigrants seeking work in construction, agriculture, and service industries.
While precise city-level numbers are not published in the latest national datasets, Albuquerque’s status as the state’s primary urban center, combined with its large immigrant community, makes it the focal point for undocumented immigrant populations in New Mexico.
Demographic and Economic Impact
Undocumented immigrants are deeply woven into the fabric of New Mexico’s society. In 2021, the state was home to nearly 193,000 immigrants, with undocumented immigrants making up nearly a third of this group. Notably, nearly 58,000 U.S. citizens in New Mexico live with at least one undocumented family member, highlighting the interconnectedness of immigrant and native-born communities.
Immigrants, including those without legal status, are vital to New Mexico’s workforce. They account for two-fifths of the state’s fishers, farmers, and foresters, and about one-quarter of construction workers. Their economic contributions are especially significant in a state where education, employment, and income levels remain below national averages.
Broader Trends and National Context
Nationally, the unauthorized immigrant population reached 11 million in 2022, reversing a long-term decline and marking the first sustained increase since 2007. However, the distribution of this population has become less concentrated, with a smaller share living in traditional gateway states like California and Texas, and more settling in other parts of the country.
New Mexico, while not among the top six states for total unauthorized immigrants, continues to have a high proportion relative to its overall population.
Conclusion
Albuquerque leads New Mexico in undocumented immigrant population, serving as a microcosm of the state’s unique immigration landscape. While the absolute numbers are smaller than in states like Texas or California, the proportion of undocumented immigrants in New Mexico’s cities is significant, shaping the state’s economy, culture, and communities.
As national immigration patterns evolve, New Mexico’s experience underscores the enduring role of immigrants—regardless of status—in the state’s social and economic life.
Source:
[1] https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/03/11/us-metro-areas-unauthorized-immigrants/
[2] https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/07/22/what-we-know-about-unauthorized-immigrants-living-in-the-us/
[3] https://mchb.tvisdata.hrsa.gov/Narratives/Overview/da3c8400-cd90-43fb-871c-3159df359da0
[4] https://cis.org/Report/ForeignBorn-Number-and-Share-US-Population-AllTime-Highs-January-2025
[5] https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/fact-sheet/immigrants-in-new-mexico/
[6] https://www.migrationpolicy.org/data/unauthorized-immigrant-population/state/NM
[7] https://map.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/locations/new-mexico/
[8] https://www.migrationpolicy.org/programs/us-immigration-policy-program-data-hub/unauthorized-immigrant-population-profiles