ATLANTA, GA — Georgia has overtaken New Jersey to become the state with the sixth-largest unauthorized immigrant population in the United States, a demographic shift driven by a robust labor market but accompanied by growing concerns over public safety and jail resources.
According to a new report by the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), Georgia’s unauthorized immigrant population surged by approximately 45% between 2018 and mid-2023, reaching an estimated 479,000 people. The state now trails only California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois as a primary destination for new arrivals.
The economic engine: workforce and integration
While political discourse often centers on crime, the MPI data suggest the surge is overwhelmingly economic. The report characterizes Georgia as a “newer destination state,” where migrants are settling long-term rather than passing through.
The labor force participation rate for this demographic in Georgia is a high 72%, with workers heavily concentrated in essential industries:
- Construction: 31%
- Professional & Administrative Services: 15%
- Manufacturing: 12%
Contrary to the narrative of a transient population, the report indicates deep economic integration. Approximately 37% of this population are homeowners, and nearly 45% have lived in the U.S. for 20 years or more. Additionally, these families include roughly 240,000 children—most of whom are U.S. citizens.
Local law enforcement: Contextualizing the crime stats
As the population grows, local law enforcement agencies in North Georgia are dealing with the practical realities of policing a changing demographic. Data from Hall and Habersham counties offers a nuanced view that contrasts with some broad political narratives.
In Hall County, officials caution against viewing population growth as the primary driver of overall crime rates. Hall County Public Information Officer Derreck Booth provided context regarding jail bookings and immigration holds.
“Our jail has booked roughly 5,120 total people during that time. This puts the number you’re interested in at less than 3 percent of our total booking count during the window,” Booth stated. “You’re correct, of those 149 people, some have been charged with serious crimes, but so have many of the other 4,900 individuals our jail has booked during that time period.”
However, in neighboring Habersham County, the logistical strain is becoming evident. Sheriff Robin Krockum confirmed that his office is seeing a “steady increase” in the number of arrestees receiving immigration holds.
The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office checks the immigration status of every individual booked into the jail. Currently, the facility is holding two inmates with detainers for theft and fraud. While the numbers may seem low, Sheriff Krockum noted that having these inmates while waiting for federal processing is “affecting the current jail overcrowding.”
“They have to be picked up within 7 days after completion of their current charge/sentencing, or the detainer is removed,” Krockum explained regarding the federal process.
Combating rumors and misinformation
Beyond the statistics, local police are also managing community anxiety fueled by social media. Cornelia Police Chief Johnathan Roberts addressed the frequent rumors about the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the area.
Chief Roberts noted that fear often spikes based on misinformation. “Every time somebody in the community sees an unmarked police car, they start posting stuff on Facebook that ICE is in town, and it’s just not true,” Roberts said. “They always let us know.”
Roberts clarified that federal involvement is targeted, not random.
“When the new administration took over, we had three days where ICE was here serving warrants on wanted felons that had active warrants,” Roberts explained. “Those were all served, and they haven’t been back.”
A changing demographic
While Mexico remains the top country of origin (37%) for Georgia’s unauthorized population, the demographic is diversifying rapidly. The state has seen significant increases in arrivals from Guatemala (17%), Honduras (9%), El Salvador (6%), and Venezuela (5%).
As Georgia solidifies its status as a central hub for new arrivals, state and local leaders continue to balance the economic reality of a construction-heavy workforce against the administrative challenges facing local justice systems.
