It seems that fewer illegal immigrants are entering the US these days. In fact, there were two-thirds (66%) less illegal immigrants that entered the US from 2007 until 2009 than there was in the years of 2000 until 2005. This decline has resulted in 8% fewer illegal immigrants currently residing in the US. There are now an estimated 11.1 million illegal immigrants, as opposed to 12 million illegal immigrants in 2007.
Although the article did not cite any reasons for the decline, one of the possible reasons is the recession that we are now experiencing. Individuals historically have fled to the US for economic reasons, and since there is now a recession, there is less incentive for individuals to illegally enter the US. Another reason is that individuals are now finding new countries to relocate to, since other countries have more lenient immigration policies. For example, Canada seems to have an increase in the number of immigrants relocating there, as they have immigration programs that welcome investors and other individuals to their homeland.
More information can be obtained at
http://pewhispanic.org/reports/report.php?ReportID=126