U.S. Immigrant Population at All-Time High: 40 Million

The number of foreign-born residents in the United States — including legal and illegal immigrants — reached 40 million last year, the highest figure in American history, new Census Bureau figures disclose.

Nearly 14 million new immigrants came to America from 2000 to 2010, making it the highest-ever decade for immigration.
The increase came even though there was a net decline of jobs during the decade, showing that immigration remains high even during periods of economic weakness.

“This does not mean that immigration is entirely unconnected to the U.S. job market,” observes Steven A. Camarota, director of research at the Center for Immigration Studies, who analyzed the new Census figures for the Center.

“But these figures are a reminder that immigration levels are not as tightly linked to the economy as some have imagined. Such factors as the desire to access public services or to enjoy greater political freedom or join relatives in the United States significantly impact migration.”

Topics: illegal immigration, US/Mexico border, immigration levels,

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