Statisticians claim there are 11 million illegal immigrants in the u.s. — but how did they get that figure? (2013, government)

[All American NYC]

There’s one number that keeps up popping up in the debate over illegal immigration: 11 million. That’s the ballpark estimate of how many people are living in the U.S. without legal permission. But how would anybody know that? It’s not like people who are living in the U.S. illegally are jumping up and down to volunteer that kind of information

The truth is nobody knows.

[westcoastforme]

It is probably somewhere between 20 and 30 million actually. This doesnt include their illegal anchor babies.

[WIHS2006]

Like Westcoastforme, I believe that the real number is much higher probably between 20 and 25 million.

The "11 million" figure has been used for well over a decade now and is long outdated.

[BigDGeek]

I think it's far more than 11 million. It wouldn't surprise me if it was at least double that.

[crestliner]

They have been using that number for 15 years... Its not real but sounds good to the illegal lovers. I think we have at least 40 million of them here but we aren't suppose to know that.

[malamute]

By ignoring at least 2/3 of the problem.

[IBMMuseum]

The real fun will be when it is asked how everyone got their guesses, and how someone can believe they are more accurate than others...

[antarez]

Originally Posted by BigDGeek

I think it's far more than 11 million. It wouldn't surprise me if it was at least double that.

Maybe they polled the illegals and everyone knows what dishonest liars those people are.

[Benicar]

Originally Posted by IBMMuseum

The real fun will be when it is asked how everyone got their guesses, and how someone can believe they are more accurate than others...

When there are no reliable sources, one guess is as good as another, regardless of "how" the number is determined. The government pulls their numbers from the air. So, my guess, your guess, or other guesses certainly can't be discounted.

[IBMMuseum]

Originally Posted by Benicar

When there are no reliable sources, one guess is as good as another, regardless of "how" the number is determined. The government pulls their numbers from the air. So, my guess, your guess, or other guesses certainly can't be discounted.

Most certainly guesses can be discounted. I just answered a post that was clueless to whom illegal aliens even are. Especially hearing other irrational comments, I'm not got going to believe just anyone jabbering on about how many "illegals" there are.

That is where the credibility issues start creeping into the stance...