The US is currently experiencing a record number of migrants: where did these people come from and when?

The United States, which hosts more people than Germany, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and France combined, is the world's leading immigrant destination, according to the latest UN data. In 2024, the United States accounted for just 4% of the world's population, but hosted 17% of all international migrants, according to a report by the Migration Policy Institute (MPI).

Photo: Luis Alvarenga | Dreamstime.com

The number of immigrants in the United States has reached a record high, although their share of the total population has not exceeded its historical peak. Immigration plays a key role in the growth of the U.S. population, especially against the backdrop of declining birth rates. Between 2022 and 2023, immigrants accounted for all of the population growth, the first time this has happened since birthplace data began being collected in 1850.

According to the American Community Survey (ACS) for 2023, there were 47,8 million immigrants living in the United States. Nearly three-quarters of them were in the country legally — as naturalized citizens, green card holders, or temporary visa holders.

On the subject: Former illegal immigrants: celebrity immigrants who could be deported from the United States

Number and origin of immigrants

As of 2023, immigrants made up 14,3% of the total U.S. population (331,9 million people), close to the record 14,8% set in 1890. Their number increased by 1,6 million compared to 2022, the largest increase since 2010.

In 1850, when the United States first began collecting birthplace data, there were 2,2 million immigrants in the country, about 10 percent of the population. From 1860 to 1920, the immigrant share fluctuated between 1890 percent and nearly 13 percent, peaking in 15 due to mass immigration from Europe. However, strict immigration control laws in the 1920s, the Great Depression, and World War II led to a sharp decline in immigration. By 1970, immigrants made up only 4,7 percent of the U.S. population.

Following the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which abolished country quotas, and the Refugee Act of 1980, the number of immigrants increased dramatically, primarily from Latin America and Asia.

Where do immigrants come from?

In 2023, the largest group was still people from Mexico, at 10,9 million, or 23% of all immigrants. However, this number was down 793 from 2010.

In second and third place are India (2,9 million) and China (2,4 million), accounting for 6% and 5%, respectively. The top ten largest groups include the Philippines, El Salvador, Cuba, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Colombia. These ten countries account for 55% of all immigrants to the United States.

Migration from Latin America and Asia increased sharply after the 1960s, while previously it was dominated by immigrants from Europe. In 1980, Mexico became the leading source of immigrants, but since 2013, India and China have taken over. However, in 2021, after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, Mexico again took the lead in terms of new arrivals.

From 2010 to 2023, the number of immigrants from India increased by 1,1 million, from China by 628 thousand, while the number of Mexicans decreased by almost 800 thousand. The fastest growth was recorded among immigrants from Venezuela (by 318%), Afghanistan (by 301%) and Nepal (by 159%).

How Long Do Immigrants Live in the US?

Nearly 44% of all immigrants living in the United States in 2023 arrived before 2000. About 22% arrived between 2000 and 2009, and 35% since 2010.

Largest Diasporas in the USA

Four of the five largest diasporas in the United States have European roots, reflecting the historical flow of migration from Europe. Germany is first (41,1 million people), followed by Mexico (39,4 million), the United Kingdom (37,5 million), Ireland (34,9 million), and Italy (16,2 million).

However, the vast majority of these people were born in the United States and are descendants of immigrants.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

Legal status of immigrants

As of 2023, about 73% of all immigrants were in the United States legally:

• naturalized citizens
• green card holders
• refugees and asylum seekers
• holders of long-term visas (student or work).

The remaining 27% are people with illegal status who either stayed beyond their visa expiration or crossed the border illegally.

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