The U.S. Census Bureau released new data showing that more than half of America’s foreign-born population lives in California, Texas, Florida, and New York. The foreign-born population in the U.S. has grown considerably over the past 50 years, increasing from 9.6 million in 1970 to 46.2 million in 2022. California had the highest foreign-born population, with 10.4 million residents, followed by Texas, Florida, and New York. These states had the highest percentages of foreign-born residents, while states in the Midwest had lower percentages.
The foreign-born populations in nearly all states grew between 2010 and 2022, with states like Delaware, North Dakota, South Dakota, and West Virginia seeing increases of 40 percent or more. Overall, the U.S. foreign-born population increased by 15.6 percent. The data also shows that the number of foreign-born individuals from South America and Other Central America increased, while the number of those born in Mexico decreased. The shares of foreign-born individuals from Asia and Africa also increased during this time period.
More than half of the foreign-born population in the U.S. has become naturalized citizens, with European- and Asian-born individuals having the highest naturalization rates. The American Community Survey did not provide specific numbers on illegal immigration but revealed that naturalization rates were lowest among foreign-born individuals from Oceania and Latin America. Overall, nearly a third of America’s foreign-born population arrived in the U.S. in 2010 or later.
The report also highlighted the states with the highest and lowest percentages of foreign-born residents. California, New Jersey, New York, and Florida had more than 20 percent of their populations made up of foreign-born residents, while West Virginia had the smallest percentage of foreign-born residents at 1.8 percent. In 34 states, including those in northern New England, the northern Great Plains, and parts of Appalachia and the South, the foreign-born population made up 10 percent or less of the state’s population.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey aims to provide communities with reliable and timely social, economic, housing, and demographic data. The data shows that the foreign-born population in the U.S. has seen significant growth over the past 50 years, with the highest concentrations residing in California, Texas, Florida, and New York. The data also reveals changes in the origin of foreign-born individuals and their naturalization rates.
