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US immigration -

Immigrants in the US can trace their roots to countries all over the world. In 1920, the largest immigrant groups in 29 states were born in Germany, Italy, or Canada. In 2022, Mexican immigrants were the largest group in 29 states.

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The first wave of immigration -

The first wave of immigration to the United States began in the 1840s and continued until 1889. During this period, over 14 million immigrants arrived in the country. Most arrived from Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

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From 1850 to 1880 -

Germany and Ireland were the largest immigrant-origin countries from 1850 to 1880. In 1860, Irish immigrants made their homes in 22 of the nation's 39 states and territories.

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1880 -

In the latter half of the 19th century, Chinese immigrants came to the United States for work. By 1880, approximately 105,000 Chinese people lived in the US.

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1880 -

By 1880, Chinese immigrants were the largest group in California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington.

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The next wave of immigration -

The next wave of immigration to the US happened from 1890 to 1919 when more than 18 million immigrants arrived from Italy, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Poland.

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1919-1939 -

The number of new immigrants to the US fell in the years between World War I and World War II. 

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1920 -

In 1920, German immigrants were the largest group in 11 states (predominantly in the Midwest), down from 18 in 1910.

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Italian immigration -

Italians were the largest group in 10 states across the US in 1940 and 1960.

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Russian immigrants -

Russians were the largest group in seven states (predominantly on the East Coast) in 1920 and 1950.

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By 1960 -

By 1960, the largest number of immigrants came from Germany, Italy, and Canada.

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Another wave of immigration -

The US saw another wave of immigration begin in 1965. Most immigrants came from Latin America (49%) or Asia (27%).

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Another wave of immigration -

During the wave of immigration that began in 1965, Mexicans accounted for around 25% of the new immigrants. Large numbers also came from China, India, and the Philippines.

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1965 onwards -

From 1990, the number of unauthorized immigrants to the US started to rise. Most unauthorized immigrants at this time came from Mexico.

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A change in the United States' immigrant populations -

The increase in both legal and unauthorized arrivals led to changes in the US's immigrant populations. In 1980, Mexican immigrants were the largest group in 10 states, from the South to the West Coast. 

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2000 -

By the year 2000, Mexican immigrants were the largest group in 31 states across the country. 

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2000 -

By 2000, immigrants from Cuba, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, the Philippines, and India were the largest groups in 11 East Coast states.

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How many people in the US are immigrants? -

Immigrants account for 13.8% of the US population. The immigrant share of the population today remains below the record 14.8% in 1890.

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The 2007-2008 financial crash -

The 2007-2008 financial crash led to changes in immigration patterns. Mexican immigration to the US slowed after 2007.

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Mexican immigration -

Although Mexico remains the largest source of US immigrants, Mexicans' share of the immigration population fell from 29% in 2010 to 23% in 2022.

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Why has the immigration population changed over the years? -

The 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act opened up legal immigration from Asia and Latin America. The law it replaced had favored immigration from Northern and Western Europe.

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Further changes in US immigration law -

In 1990, a revision to the 1965 act allowed more legal immigrants to enter the US and provided alternative ways for people to immigrate.

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Immigration and Donald Trump -

In 2016, the US saw Donald Trump win the presidential election. In 2017, he signed an executive order banning refugees and travelers with passports from six Muslim-majority countries from entering the US.

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What is the legal status of immigrants in the US? -

The majority of immigrants are in the country legally. In 2022, 49% were naturalized US citizens and 24% were lawful permanent residents.

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Where do most US immigrants live? -

In 2022, most of the nation's 46.1 million immigrants lived in California (23%), Texas (11%), Florida (10%), and New York (10%).

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How many immigrants are working in the US? -

According to research from 2022, over 30 million immigrants were in the US workforce. Lawful immigrants were the majority of the immigrant workforce, at 22.2 million.

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Do all lawful immigrants choose to become US citizens? -

Lawful immigrants who are permanent residents can apply to become US citizens if they meet certain requirements. Most eligible immigrants apply for citizenship, but not all do. Reasons for not applying include language and personal barriers, lack of interest, and cost.

Sources: (Pew Research Center) (Center for Immigration Studies)

See also: The countries with the strictest immigration laws

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