Demographics
Immigrants are a vital, dynamic part of the U.S. population—especially when it comes to the workforce. 77.1% of immigrants are of working age (16–64), compared to just 62.0% of U.S.-born residents, making them key contributors to the economy as both taxpayers and consumers.
- 22.9 million immigrants are active in the U.S. workforce
- 74% of foreign-born residents are proficient in English
- 89.4% of all undocumented immigrants are of working age
- 5.2 million U.S. citizen children living with at least one undocumented family member
- Only 4.9% of immigrants are under 15, compared to 20.3% of U.S.-born residents
- 18% of immigrants are 65+, nearly identical to the 17.7% of U.S.-born seniors
Spotlight on the Changing Demographics of Hispanic Americans
By Karen Aho and Robin Lundh of the American Immigration Council Today, Hispanic Americans form the largest ethnic group in the United States. The value of Hispanic Americans to the makeup of the United States—demographically, culturally, and economically—has grown every year. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we look at the most… Read More
A Snapshot of Undocumented College Students in the United States
The school year has started, and many college students are returning to campuses nationwide, including undocumented and DACA-eligible students. Data from the 2021 American Community Survey (ACS) and analyzed by the American Immigration Council reveals that 408,000 of these students are undocumented, representing 1.9% of all college students… Read More
New Report Reveals Immigrant Roots of Fortune 500 Companies
In an annual review of the most successful companies in the United States, the American Immigration Council unveiled today (August 29, 2023) a report that sheds light on the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs and their children to the U.S. economy. Read More
States Continue to Lead on Inclusive Immigration Policies: A 2023 Midyear Review of State Legislative Sessions
With most state legislatures having adjourned for the year, states—once again—continue to lead the way for welcoming immigrants and refugees. The American Immigration Council tracked over 1,000 immigration-related bills during the 2023 state legislative session. With a few notable exceptions, most successful immigration bills this year aimed to make states… Read More
America Is Falling Behind in the Global Talent Competition
In June, the Canadian immigration minister announced a new initiative to attract high-tech talent to Canada — from the United States. The Tech Talent Strategy targets foreign-born workers who have come to the United States to study or work but who may have difficulty receiving or renewing U.S. work… Read More
14 Percent of All Women in the U.S. Are Immigrants
Immigrants—many of whom are women—make up a significant portion of the U.S. population. In 2021, 23.2 million lived in the United States, outnumbering immigrant men, according to recent analysis of the 2021 American Community Survey. Immigrant women made up 14% of the country’s overall female population. While their work… Read More
Data Snapshot: Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States
Each May, the United States recognizes the influence and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders during AAPI Heritage Month. It also serves as a time to reflect on the many differences among AAPI individuals in this country. The 19.7 million Asians and Pacific Islanders living in the United States make… Read More
Black Immigrants in the United States: Population, Spending Power, and Political Capital
Written by Steven Hubbard, Senior Data Scientist and Robin Lundh, Research Manager Black immigrants make up a vital part of America’s rich cultural life. Think of authors Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; musicians Miriam Makeba and Wyclef Jean; comedian Trevor Noah; activist Marcus Garvey; NBA hall of famer and… Read More
New Research Shows the Key Role Immigrants Play in 13 States’ Healthcare Workforces
The American Immigration Council reports underscore the key role of immigrant healthcare workforces of Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Read More
Midterms 2022: How and Where Immigrants Have Helped Create a More Diverse Electorate
With the 2022 midterm elections just weeks away, all eyes are shifting to states where close races are expected. A lot has changed since the last midterm elections in 2018—including the demographics of the American electorate. The 2020 Census has already shown how the U.S. population has continued to… Read More
All gifts are matched dollar for dollar
No one should face the immigration system alone
