In 2023, ICE conducted 143,000 removals to more than 180 countries across the United States—almost twice the number of removals from the prior year. Another 63,000 noncitizens were removed when the Title 42 policy ended in May 2023. Illinois ranks sixth among states with the largest unauthorized immigrant population.
While numerous studies show that undocumented immigrants are not displacing U.S.-born workers and are essential to the success and continued viability of numerous industries, many undocumented immigrants will face removal proceedings at some point. Receiving a removal order can be a frightening, anxiety-inducing experience. However, many of those who receive removal orders have lived and worked in the U.S. for years if not decades.