Illegal immigrants now number 2.5 million under Obama rule; 400,000 arriving yearly

The number of illegal immigrants crossing into the United States has reached the 2.5-million mark, according to the Center for Migration Studies and the Pew Research Center.

Of the total estimated number, 790,000 came in since 2013, the Washington Examiner reported.

From 2009 to 2013, 1.5 to 1.7 million people illegally entered US territory either through overstaying a temporary visa or by sneaking into the country, the Center for Immigration Studies reported.

Also, the Center said an additional 790,000 illegal migrants entered the country from mid-2013 to May this year, based on an analysis of Census Bureau data.

The figure increases the total to 2.5 million new illegal immigrants since Obama took office in January 2009, or 300,000 to 400,000 new illegal immigrants per year.

The overall population of immigrants, however, remained "roughly constant" as the wave of immigrants entering the US is balanced by those who return home or obtain legal status.

"Had the United States not allowed so many new illegal immigrants to settle in the country since 2009, the total number of illegal immigrants would have fallen by 2.5 million. But the arrival of so many new illegal immigrants offset this attrition in the illegal population," the Center for Immigration Studies reported.

Immigration has become a hot-button topic under the Obama administration as the additional illegal immigrants entered the US after Obama launched a contentious executive order back in 2012 to halt the deportation of young illegal immigrants who entered the country as children.

With the upcoming presidential elections, Republicans are especially worried about their image as one of their own candidates, Donald Trump, has slammed Mexico and its immigrants.

But a report by the Center said illegal immigration was actually higher under the Bush administration, which could possibly undermine the Republicans' attempt to sound tough on the issue.

The number of illegal immigrants sky-rocketed to 500,000 to 600,000 in a year under the Bush administration.

related articles
Thousands of convicted immigrants with deportation orders remain at large in US
Thousands of convicted immigrants with deportation orders remain at large in US

Close to 350,000 convicted immigrants are still at large in the US, according to an immigration research organization.

Another illegal alien accused of murdering young mother and her son in Washington
Another illegal alien accused of murdering young mother and her son in Washington

A Washington superior court has set a bail of $1 million for a 25-year-old man charged with first-degree murders in the killing of an 17-year-old and her son in Franklin County, Washington.

Churches as sanctuaries for illegal aliens? Robert Jeffress, Richard Land tackle issue
Churches as sanctuaries for illegal aliens? Robert Jeffress, Richard Land tackle issue

Should the church protect all those who come to its protection, including illegal immigrants or should it abide by the law and turn them over? These were the questions posed on the church right after illegal immigrant Francisco Sanchez shot medical saleswoman Kate Steinle.

Franklin Graham urges US to bar Muslim entry as he condemns killing of Marines
Franklin Graham urges US to bar Muslim entry as he condemns killing of Marines

Four innocent men from the United States Marine Corps and three others were wounded in the recent Chattanooga, Tennessee shooting committed by 24-year-old Muhammad Youssuf Abdulazeez, and Reverend Franklin Graham is seeking prayers for the victims and their families.

News
Campaign aims to mobilise 500,000 Christians for Christmas outreach
Campaign aims to mobilise 500,000 Christians for Christmas outreach

Shine Your Light is aiming to mobilise half a million Christians to share the gospel with five million people across the UK this Christmas, with more than 2,000 churches already signed up, organisers say.

The Church of England should repent for previous calls to ban 'conversion therapy'
The Church of England should repent for previous calls to ban 'conversion therapy'

The Church of England's uneasiness about the government's ‘conversion practices’ bill is a perfect lesson in the old adage, 'be careful what you wish for,' writes Dr Martin Davie.

Leaked Home Office report links 'Christian extremism' to traditionalist beliefs and immigration concerns
Leaked Home Office report links 'Christian extremism' to traditionalist beliefs and immigration concerns

An internal Home Office report lists concerns about immigration, multiculturalism and changing social values among the characteristics associated with what it calls "Christian extremism", it has been reported.

Tearfund calls for COP31 funding to reach farmers struggling with climate change and food insecurity
Tearfund calls for COP31 funding to reach farmers struggling with climate change and food insecurity

Tearfund warns that worsening climate conditions are threatening food production and pushing more people towards hunger.