Key Facts About the U.S. Immigrant Population

The United States continues to be a melting pot of immigrants from all over the world, with the immigrant population reaching a record high of 47.8 million in 2023. This represents a significant increase of 1.6 million from the previous year, marking the largest annual increase in over 20 years.

Immigrants now account for 14.3% of the U.S. population, a threefold increase from 4.7% in 1970. Mexico remains the top country of birth for U.S. immigrants, with India, China, the Philippines, and El Salvador also being significant contributors to the immigrant population.

The origins of immigrants have shifted over the years, with changes in U.S. immigration laws allowing for a more diverse group of immigrants to enter the country. The immigrant population has become more varied, with immigrants from Asia, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East all making up significant portions of the population.

While most immigrants are in the country legally, about 23% are unauthorized immigrants. The number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. has shown sustained growth in recent years, with about 11 million unauthorized immigrants living in the country in 2022.

Despite the challenges they face, immigrants in the U.S. are an integral part of the workforce, with over 30 million immigrants contributing to the labor force. Immigrants have varying levels of education, with some regions having higher rates of educational attainment than others.

English proficiency among immigrants also varies, with some groups being more proficient than others. Spanish remains the most commonly spoken language among immigrants, followed by English, Chinese, Filipino/Tagalog, French/Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese.

Overall, immigrants play a crucial role in the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the United States, bringing diversity and unique perspectives to the country.