DHS data shows more than 52 million foreigners who legally entered the U.S. through air and seaports in 2017. But it marked the second straight year that more than 600,000 visitors stayed past the expiration of their visa, turning them into undocumented immigrants at risk of deportation.
Per DHS illegal immigration across the southern border is at historic lows – slightly more than 300,000 immigrants were caught crossing the border in 2017. That’s down from a high of 1.6 million in 2000, according to Border Patrol data.
In fact, more Mexicans are returning to their native country than coming to the United States, according to a 2015 report from the Pew Research Center.
Canadians made up the largest group of visa overstays, with more than 92,000 remaining in the United States in 2017 despite being expected to leave.
Of the 38 Visa Waiver Program countries, Portuguese citizens had the highest overstay rate (1.81 percent), followed by Hungarians (1.55 percent) and the Greek (1.25 percent).
Of the Visa Waiver Program countries, British citizens had the highest number of visa overstays (25,694) followed by the French (16,456) and Spaniards (13,780).
Chris Edwards Napa 1-8-19
Chris Edwards Author, Mentor/Executive Coach & Political Consultant 