Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration in the United States - MPI

"Immigration has a significant impact on many aspects of life in the United States, from the workforce and the classroom to communities across the country. As such, many seek to know more about those who were born abroad and now make their lives here, whether as naturalized citizens, legal permanent residents, refugees and asylees, international students and others on long-term temporary visas, or unauthorized immigrants. In 2013, approximately 41.3 million immigrants lived in the United States, an all-time high for a nation historically built on immigration. The United States remains a popular destination attracting about 20 percent of the world's international migrants, even as it represents less than 5 percent of the global population. Immigrants accounted for 13 percent of the total 316 million U.S. residents; adding the U.S.-born children (of all ages) of immigrants means that approximately 80 million people, or one-quarter of the overall U.S. population, is either of the first or second generation.

This article seeks to provide the latest data in one easily accessible resource, bringing together some of the most frequently requested current and historical facts and figures about immigrants and immigration in the United States. It answers questions such as: How do today's top source countries compare to those 50 years ago? How many visas does the Department of State issue? How many people gained green cards last year? How many unauthorized immigrants are in the United States? How many children live with immigrant parents? What jobs do immigrants hold? How many unauthorized migrants have been deported?

The article compiles resources from the Migration Policy Institute (MPI); the U.S. Census Bureau's 2013 American Community Survey (ACS), 2013 Current Population Survey (CPS), and 2000 decennial census; the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and State; Mexico's National Population Council (CONAPO) and National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI); and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).

Click on the bullet points below for more information on each topic:

• Current and Historical Numbers and Shares
• Demographic, Educational, and Linguistic Characteristics
• Immigrant Population Change Over Time: Top States
• Mexican Immigrants
• Health Insurance Coverage
• Workforce Characteristics
• Children with Immigrant Parents
• Annual Flows
• Unauthorized Immigrants
• Naturalization Trends
• Visa Backlogs"