The report explains that the number of foreign temporary residents can only be estimated because, “Based on historical trends, departure records are eventually collected for 75–80 percent of all resident nonimmigrant visits, but fewer than 50 percent are collected in the same year as the arrival.” Thus, according to DHS, it does not have departure information on an estimated 20 to 25 percent of these foreigners entering with visas. The absence of reliable data on the departure of temporary residents reveals a loophole by which legally entering foreigners may stay illegally beyond the period of legal residence without much concern about DHS coming to look for them – given the fact that DHS does not know if they have stayed illegally. Of course, the “prioritization” policies of the Obama administration also mean that foreign resident visa overstayers are not a target for DHS’ enforcement branch.
The DHS estimate provides some interesting statistics: the largest share of the residents (840,000 – 45%) was workers and family; the second largest share was students (720,000 – 38%); and exchange visitors accounted for 230,000 (12%). Exchange visitors and students also are allowed to take jobs. Asians accounted for more than half of the total.