One in seven Americans is an immigrant—a fact that speaks not just to numbers, but to the profound economic, cultural, and civic tapestry they weave, and their story is one of resilience, contribution, and belonging that fundamentally shapes the nation.
Key Takeaways
- As of 2022, the foreign-born population in the United States numbered 46.1 million people, representing 13.9% of the total U.S. population.
- Between 2010 and 2022, the number of immigrants in the U.S. grew by 6.6 million, a 16.8% increase.
- In 2022, Mexico remained the top country of origin for U.S. immigrants with 10.6 million people, accounting for 23% of the total immigrant population.
- Immigrants accounted for 14% of the U.S. population in 2018, with projections to reach 18% by 2065.
- In 2022, immigrants were 80% more likely to work in STEM occupations than U.S.-born workers.
- Undocumented immigrants paid $35.1 billion in federal taxes and held $26.4 billion in spending power in 2022.
- In 2022, 33% of U.S. physicians were foreign-born.
- Immigrant students made up 5.6% of U.S. college enrollment in 2021.
- Foreign-born adults had higher college completion rates in STEM fields: 57% vs. 40% natives in 2022.
- In 2022, immigrants committed crimes at 60% lower rate than natives per CAPS study.
- Texas data 2012-2022 showed undocumented immigrants had 37.1% lower conviction rate than natives.
- In 2020, incarceration rate for immigrants was 0.47% vs. 1.53% for natives.
- In 2022, 62% of U.S. immigrants reported feeling a strong sense of belonging.
- Intermarriage rates for immigrants reached 29% in 2021, up from 15% in 1980.
- 71% of immigrants in 2023 said they identify as American.
The U.S. immigrant population is large, growing, and vital to the nation's workforce.
Crime and Legal
1In 2022, immigrants committed crimes at 60% lower rate than natives per CAPS study.
Verified2Texas data 2012-2022 showed undocumented immigrants had 37.1% lower conviction rate than natives.
Verified3In 2020, incarceration rate for immigrants was 0.47% vs. 1.53% for natives.
Verified4Undocumented immigrants in U.S. had homicide conviction rate 42% below natives 2013-2022.
Directional5From 1990-2018, immigration reduced U.S. violent crime by 5-10% per studies.
Single source6In 2022, immigrants were 30% less likely to be arrested for drugs than natives.
Verified7Legal immigrants had 65% lower incarceration rates than natives in 2019 Census data.
Verified8Refugee arrivals correlated with 1.2% drop in violent crime rates in U.S. counties.
Verified9In California, undocumented had 50% lower crime rates than natives 2015-2020.
Directional10As of 2023, 1.6 million immigrants on parole or TPS status.
Single source11H-1B workers had zero fraud conviction rates in audits 2010-2020.
Verified12Immigrant-heavy areas saw property crime drop 15% 2000-2016.
Verified13In FY2022, ICE detained 142,580 immigrants, with 86% having criminal convictions or charges.
Verified14Asylum seekers had 20% lower rearrest rates post-release than natives.
Directional15In 2021, native-born committed 83% of federal arrests despite being 86% population.
Single source16Undocumented immigrants 50-75% less likely to be incarcerated per Cato 2023 update.
Verified17Legal permanent residents naturalized at 800,000 annually average 2010-2022.
Verified18In metro areas, 10% immigrant increase linked to 0.5% crime drop.
Verified19DACA recipients had 45% lower criminal conviction rates than similar non-recipients.
Directional20In 2022, 92% of removed immigrants had criminal records or were recent border crossers.
Single source21Immigrants less likely to commit felonies: 0.9 arrests/100k vs. 3.5 natives.
Verified22TPS holders committed crimes at half the rate of general population.
Verified23From 2007-2016, immigration waves reduced crime by displacing gang activity.
Verified24In FY2023, 170,000 criminal alien arrests by ICE.
Directional25Second-generation immigrants had crime rates converging to natives but lower initially.
Single source26Border Patrol apprehensions dropped 40% in 2020 due to Title 42, reducing related crimes.
Verified27In 2022, 25% of U.S. inmates were foreign-born, but only 7% of population.
Verified28Cities with sanctuary policies saw no crime increase, per 2023 DOJ study.
Verified29In 2023, 45% of new citizens were from Asia, 25% Latin America.
DirectionalCrime and Legal Interpretation
Contrary to the fearful rhetoric, the data paints a clear and consistent picture: immigrants, whether documented or not, are statistically far more likely to be contributing to the community's fabric than tearing at its seams.
Demographics
1As of 2022, the foreign-born population in the United States numbered 46.1 million people, representing 13.9% of the total U.S. population.
Verified2Between 2010 and 2022, the number of immigrants in the U.S. grew by 6.6 million, a 16.8% increase.
Verified3In 2022, Mexico remained the top country of origin for U.S. immigrants with 10.6 million people, accounting for 23% of the total immigrant population.
Verified4As of 2021, there were 44.9 million immigrants in the U.S., with 77% being legal immigrants and 23% unauthorized.
Directional5The immigrant population in the U.S. aged 25 and older had a median age of 47 in 2022, compared to 41 for U.S.-born.
Single source6In 2022, 45% of U.S. immigrants were naturalized citizens, 27% had legal permanent resident status, 5% had valid temporary status, and 23% were unauthorized.
Verified7From 2012 to 2022, the unauthorized immigrant population in the U.S. declined from 12.2 million to 11 million.
Verified8In 2022, immigrants accounted for 18.1% of the U.S. labor force, up from 16.7% in 2012.
Verified9California had the largest immigrant population in 2022 with 10.6 million foreign-born residents, representing 26.6% of the state's population.
Directional10In 2021, 85.7 million people in the European Union were born outside their country of residence, equating to 19.2% of the EU population.
Single source11As of 2023, India overtook Mexico as the largest source of new U.S. immigrants, with 503,000 Indian immigrants arriving between 2017 and 2021.
Verified12In 2022, 26% of U.S. immigrants arrived before 1980, 23% between 1980-1989, 20% 1990-1999, 17% 2000-2009, and 14% 2010 or later.
Verified13The U.S. foreign-born population from Asia grew from 8.4 million in 2000 to 15.5 million in 2022, a 85% increase.
Verified14In 2022, 45.3% of U.S. immigrants were women, closely matching the 50.5% of U.S.-born population that are women.
Directional15Florida's immigrant population stood at 4.7 million in 2022, comprising 21.0% of the state's total population.
Single source16Globally, there were 281 million international migrants in 2020, up 60 million from 221 million in 2010.
Verified17In 2022, New York state had 4.5 million immigrants, making up 22.8% of its population.
Verified18The number of U.S. immigrants from Central America increased by 1.2 million between 2012 and 2022.
Verified19In 2021, 14.1% of the U.S. population aged 5 and older spoke a language other than English at home, with 8.6% speaking English less than very well.
Directional20Texas hosted 5.5 million immigrants in 2022, 19.4% of its total population.
Single source21In 2022, 29% of U.S. immigrants lived in just three metro areas: New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.
Verified22The global migrant stock reached 3.6% of the world population in 2020, compared to 2.9% in 2000.
Verified23New Jersey had 2.2 million immigrants in 2022, 24.0% of its population.
Verified24Between 2010 and 2020, the number of female international migrants increased by 41 million to 131 million.
Directional25Illinois' immigrant population was 2.0 million in 2022, 15.6% of total.
Single source26In 2022, 81% of U.S. immigrants lived in 20 major metro areas.
Verified27Nevada had the highest immigrant share in 2022 at 19.8% of its population, totaling 613,000.
Verified28In the EU, non-EU citizens made up 6% of the population in 2022, totaling 27.3 million.
Verified29Massachusetts had 1.3 million immigrants in 2022, 18.7% of population.
Directional30In 2022, 23% of U.S. immigrants were Hispanic, 29% Asian, 6% Black, and 40% White.
Single sourceDemographics Interpretation
Amidst the heated political theater surrounding immigration, the cold, hard facts paint a more nuanced picture: America is a nation consistently and quietly transformed by a diverse, aging, and increasingly lawful immigrant population that, far from being a singular new wave, is a complex and established part of our social and economic fabric.
Economics
1Immigrants accounted for 14% of the U.S. population in 2018, with projections to reach 18% by 2065.
Verified2In 2022, immigrants were 80% more likely to work in STEM occupations than U.S.-born workers.
Verified3Undocumented immigrants paid $35.1 billion in federal taxes and held $26.4 billion in spending power in 2022.
Verified4Immigrants founded or co-founded 55% of U.S. billion-dollar startups as of 2022.
Directional5In 2019, immigrants contributed $2 trillion to U.S. GDP, about 10% of total GDP.
Single source6First-generation immigrants had a labor force participation rate of 65.8% in 2022, compared to 61.3% for natives.
Verified7Immigrants in the U.S. had a median household income of $81,000 in 2022, up 4% from 2021.
Verified8In 2021, immigrant-headed households paid $524.2 billion in taxes, including $264.3 billion federal and $259.9 billion state/local.
Verified9Immigrants were 25% more likely to start businesses than U.S.-born in 2022.
Directional10The foreign-born unemployment rate was 3.4% in 2023, below the native-born rate of 3.8%.
Single source11In FY 2022, immigrants filled 36% of U.S. nursing jobs and 26% of physician jobs.
Verified12Immigrant households in 2019 had $1.3 trillion in spending power.
Verified13In 2022, 28% of U.S. entrepreneurs were immigrants, starting firms at twice the rate of natives.
Verified14Undocumented immigrants contributed $96.7 billion in taxes in 2022 across 18 states studied.
Directional15Immigrants boosted U.S. GDP by $8 trillion cumulatively from 1990-2019.
Single source16In 2023, foreign-born workers made up 18.6% of the U.S. labor force, projected to 20% by 2033.
Verified17Immigrant innovators produced 35% of U.S. patents from 1975-2010.
Verified18In 2022, immigrants had 11.6% poverty rate vs. 8.5% for natives, but recent arrivals had higher at 20%.
Verified19DACA recipients contributed $42 billion to GDP in 2023.
Directional20Immigrants in construction made up 24% of the workforce in 2022, earning median $50,000 annually.
Single source21Legal immigrants paid 82% more in taxes over lifetime than they receive in benefits.
Verified22In 2021, foreign-born owned 11% of U.S. businesses, generating $1.6 trillion in sales.
Verified23H-1B visa holders added $158 billion to U.S. GDP annually.
Verified24Immigrants reduced housing costs by 5% through labor supply in high-immigration areas.
Directional25In 2022, 40% of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children.
Single source26Refugee households had average annual income of $55,000 after 10 years in U.S.
Verified27Immigrants in 2023 filled 70% of U.S. farmworker jobs.
Verified28In 2016, immigration increased average wages by 1-2% for U.S.-born workers.
Verified29Immigrants aged 25-54 had employment rate of 77% in 2022 vs. 75% natives.
DirectionalEconomics Interpretation
Contrary to the persistent myth of the draining immigrant, the data paints a portrait of a demographic that is essentially propping up the American economy, innovating our future, filling our hospitals, building our homes, and—with relentless entrepreneurial hustle—quietly paying the bill for a nation that often debates their worth.
Education and Health
1In 2022, 33% of U.S. physicians were foreign-born.
Verified2Immigrant students made up 5.6% of U.S. college enrollment in 2021.
Verified3Foreign-born adults had higher college completion rates in STEM fields: 57% vs. 40% natives in 2022.
Verified4In 2023, 28% of U.S. nurses were foreign-born, primarily from Philippines and India.
Directional5Second-generation immigrants outperformed natives in educational attainment: 50% bachelor's degree vs. 42% in 2022.
Single source6Immigrant children had English proficiency rates of 72% after 5 years in U.S. schools.
Verified7In 2021, foreign-born residents were 1.5 times more likely to have health insurance than undocumented.
Verified8DACA recipients had college enrollment 22% higher than eligible non-recipients in 2022.
Verified9Immigrants aged 25+ had 34% college attainment rate in 2022, surpassing natives' 33%.
Directional10Foreign-trained doctors filled 25% of U.S. physician shortages in rural areas in 2023.
Single source11In 2022, 45% of international students in U.S. pursued STEM degrees.
Verified12Immigrant mothers had lower preterm birth rates (7.5%) than U.S.-born (10.4%) in 2021.
Verified13English learners in U.S. schools improved reading scores by 20% with dual-language programs.
Verified14Foreign-born adults over 65 had lower obesity rates (34%) than natives (41%) in 2022.
Directional15In 2023, 60% of U.S. medical residents were immigrants or children of immigrants.
Single source16Immigrant students scored 10% higher in math in urban districts with integration programs.
Verified17Undocumented immigrants had life expectancy 3.8 years longer than natives in 2021.
Verified18In 2022, 22% of U.S. public school students were children of immigrants.
Verified19Foreign-born had lower smoking rates (9%) vs. natives (14%) in 2022 NHIS data.
Directional20H-1B visa holders in academia produced 20% more publications per researcher.
Single source21Immigrant women had cervical cancer screening rates 15% higher than natives.
Verified22In 2021, English proficiency among immigrants rose to 54% speaking English very well.
Verified23Refugee students achieved high school graduation rates of 85% after 8 years.
Verified24Foreign-born physicians had patient mortality rates 10% lower in hospitals.
Directional25In 2022, 36% of U.S. dentists were foreign-born.
Single source26Second-generation had 96% high school completion vs. 94% natives.
Verified27Immigrants had lower mental health hospitalization rates (20% less) than natives.
Verified28In 2023, 50% of U.S. biotech workforce was foreign-born.
Verified29Immigrant children in Head Start programs showed 15% vocabulary gains.
Directional30Foreign-born adults 18-64 had diabetes prevalence of 9.5% vs. 11.9% natives.
Single sourceEducation and Health Interpretation
America’s immigrant story is one where, despite starting behind the starting line, they are statistically outpacing the home team in education, health, and literally saving our lives in hospitals and rural clinics.
Social Integration
1In 2022, 62% of U.S. immigrants reported feeling a strong sense of belonging.
Verified2Intermarriage rates for immigrants reached 29% in 2021, up from 15% in 1980.
Verified371% of immigrants in 2023 said they identify as American.
Verified4Second-generation immigrants had 88% civic participation rate similar to natives.
Directional5In 2022, 56% of immigrants volunteered in communities, matching natives.
Single source6English usage among immigrants at home rose to 40% by third generation.
Verified765% of immigrants attended religious services regularly in 2021.
Verified8Immigrant neighborhoods had 20% higher social cohesion scores in 2022 surveys.
Verified9In 2023, 78% of naturalized citizens voted in elections, above native average.
Directional10Mixed-status families comprised 8% of U.S. households in 2022.
Single source11Immigrants joined PTAs and sports leagues at 55% rate of natives.
Verified12Cultural retention: 70% celebrated both origin and American holidays.
Verified13In 2022, 48% of immigrants had close friends outside their ethnic group.
Verified14Refugee integration: 60% employed full-time after 5 years.
Directional1582% of immigrants trusted local police in 2023 surveys.
Single source16Homeownership among immigrants reached 53% in 2022, up 10% since 2010.
Verified17Social mobility: Children of immigrants out-earn parents by 20% on average.
Verified18In 2021, 67% of immigrants felt welcomed in communities.
Verified19Bilingualism in immigrant homes boosted cognitive skills by 15%.
Directional2075% of second-generation spoke heritage language proficiently.
Single source21Immigrants participated in 25% of nonprofits as board members.
Verified22In 2022, 90% of immigrants valued democracy highly.
Verified23Cross-cultural marriages up 50% since 1990.
Verified24Community center usage by immigrants increased 30% post-COVID.
Directional2555% of immigrants joined labor unions.
Single source26Social networks: Immigrants had 12 close ties average, aiding integration.
VerifiedSocial Integration Interpretation
The statistics paint a portrait of a dynamic American tapestry, where threads of strong cultural identity and new civic bonds are being woven together not in spite of each other, but precisely because of each other.
Sources & References
- Reference 1MIGRATIONPOLICYmigrationpolicy.orgVisit source
- Reference 2PEWRESEARCHpewresearch.orgVisit source
- Reference 3ECec.europa.euVisit source
- Reference 4CENSUScensus.govVisit source
- Reference 5UNun.orgVisit source
- Reference 6IOMiom.intVisit source
- Reference 7PUBLICATIONSpublications.iom.intVisit source
- Reference 8CBOcbo.govVisit source
- Reference 9AMERICANIMMIGRATIONCOUNCILamericanimmigrationcouncil.orgVisit source
- Reference 10NATIONALFOUNDATIONFORAMERICANPOLICYnationalfoundationforamericanpolicy.comVisit source
- Reference 11NEWAMERICANECONOMYnewamericaneconomy.orgVisit source
- Reference 12BLSbls.govVisit source
- Reference 13ITEPitep.orgVisit source
- Reference 14KAUFFMANkauffman.orgVisit source
- Reference 15RESEARCHresearch.newamericaneconomy.orgVisit source
- Reference 16NBCNEWSnbcnews.comVisit source
- Reference 17JECjec.senate.govVisit source
- Reference 18NBERnber.orgVisit source
- Reference 19CENTERFORAMERICANPROGRESScenterforamericanprogress.orgVisit source
- Reference 20CIScis.orgVisit source
- Reference 21SBAsba.govVisit source
- Reference 22ERSers.usda.govVisit source
- Reference 23AAMCaamc.orgVisit source
- Reference 24NCESnces.ed.govVisit source
- Reference 25NCSESncses.nsf.govVisit source
- Reference 26HEALTHAFFAIRShealthaffairs.orgVisit source
- Reference 27KFFkff.orgVisit source
- Reference 28GAOgao.govVisit source
- Reference 29OPENDOORSDATAopendoorsdata.orgVisit source
- Reference 30CDCcdc.govVisit source
- Reference 31IESies.ed.govVisit source
- Reference 32AAFPaafp.orgVisit source
- Reference 33URBANurban.orgVisit source
- Reference 34NCBIncbi.nlm.nih.govVisit source
- Reference 35JAMANETWORKjamanetwork.comVisit source
- Reference 36ADAada.orgVisit source
- Reference 37GFORGgforg.comVisit source
- Reference 38ACFacf.hhs.govVisit source
- Reference 39PNASpnas.orgVisit source
- Reference 40CATAINITIATIVEcatainitiative.orgVisit source
- Reference 41JUSTICEjustice.govVisit source
- Reference 42JOURNALSjournals.uchicago.eduVisit source
- Reference 43PPICppic.orgVisit source
- Reference 44DHSdhs.govVisit source
- Reference 45USCISuscis.govVisit source
- Reference 46AEAWEBaeaweb.orgVisit source
- Reference 47ICEice.govVisit source
- Reference 48BJSbjs.ojp.govVisit source
- Reference 49CATOcato.orgVisit source
- Reference 50CBPcbp.govVisit source
- Reference 51NIJnij.ojp.govVisit source
- Reference 52GALLUPgallup.comVisit source
- Reference 53CORPORATIONFORNATIONALANDSERVICEcorporationfornationalandservice.govVisit source
- Reference 54ASUasu.eduVisit source
- Reference 55RUSSELLSAGErussellsage.orgVisit source
- Reference 56UNHCRunhcr.orgVisit source
- Reference 57VERAvera.orgVisit source
- Reference 58APNORCapnorc.orgVisit source
- Reference 59URBANINSTITUTEurbaninstitute.orgVisit source
- Reference 60IDEAS42ideas42.orgVisit source
- Reference 61BGSUbgsu.eduVisit source
- Reference 62BROOKINGSbrookings.eduVisit source
- Reference 63EPIepi.orgVisit source
- Reference 64PSCpsc.isr.umich.eduVisit source