The images of ICE hauling off people, sending many in shackles is great theater. It’s horrifying and distressing, too. The spectacle is meant to show that the regime is on task and to scare the heck out of anyone considering coming here illegally.
However, looming quite large over all that is of immigration-relevant are some sobering realities for Americans who fear the nation is being overrun by hordes from the south. The fear is well-founded.
First, there is the matter of America’s geographic position. It not only borders Mexico, but the United States also sits at the northern tip of Latin America, and to some extent, the Caribbean.
As of March 2025, the population of Latin America and the Caribbean is approximately 692,864,211 people. This number is expected to grow by about 5,477,000 in 2025, reaching 697,116,000 by 2026.
FULL DISCLOSURE: WHAT FOLLOWS IS INFORMATION GATHERED BY PERPLEXITY. I VIEW IT AS SEARCH ENGINE INFORMATION. BUT I IMAGINE SOME WILL CALL IT PLAGIRISM.
The region experiences a moderate population growth rate. In 2025, the growth rate is about 0.8%, which is consistent with recent years. This growth rate is lower than in previous decades, indicating a gradual slowdown in population expansion.
The net migration rate for Latin America and the Caribbean is negative, indicating more people leave than arrive. In 2025, the net migration rate is -0.305 per 1,000 population. This translates to a net loss of approximately 211,000 people per year, given the current population. However, the actual number of people leaving is higher, as the net migration rate accounts for both emigration and immigration. For instance, in 2025, the region loses about 246,788 people due to migration.
One significant migration trend in the region involves Venezuelans. As of November 2023, about 7,722,579 Venezuelans had left their country, with the majority staying within Latin America and the Caribbean. This exodus significantly impacts regional migration dynamics.
The upshot is managing immigration could well be an impossible mission.
Ricardo Chavira Chicano 