US immigration surges to highest level in more than 20 years

According to recently released data from the US Census Bureau, there will be 47.8 million immigrants living in the US in 2023, up from 46.2 million in 2022. The immigrant population includes naturalized US citizens, lawful permanent residents and lawful temporary residents, as well as unauthorized immigrants.

Immigrants will make up 14.3% of the total US population in 2023, about triple the 4.7% share in 1970, but still below the record high of 14.8% in 1890.

The United States has long been home to more immigrants than any other country. These immigrants come from a variety of countries, with the most common as of 2023 being Mexico (10.9 million, or 23%), India (2.9 million, or 6%), China (2.4 million, or 5%), and the Philippines (2.1 million, or 4%).

In terms of legal status, nearly three-quarters of immigrants living in the United States as of 2022 were naturalized U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or lawful temporary residents. About one-quarter (23%) entered the United States illegally.

Almost all illegal immigrants living in the United States entered the country without legal permission, or arrived on non-permanent resident visas and stayed after their visas expired.

More and more unauthorized immigrants are being allowed to live and work in the United States, and are given temporary protection from deportation. In 2022, about 3 million unauthorized immigrants were given this temporary legal protection.

Ngoc Anh (according to Pew Research)