Immigration is a key issue in the United States, and with Donald Trump’s election campaign vowing to crack down on undocumented migrants, it’s more important than ever to understand what immigrants are and where they come from. The goal of this article is to provide an overview of the immigrant population in the United States and its history, with a special focus on those who are living without legal status.
Generally, to be an immigrant means that someone has moved to another country in search of better economic conditions or opportunities for their family. Some migrants move for business or personal reasons, while others flee wars, harsh governments, natural disasters, and the practice of slavery.
Most immigrants arrive in the United States legally, settling in the country for decades. In the United States, there are 51 million people who identify as immigrants, according to Census data from 2023. Of those, 49% became U.S. citizens through the naturalization process, and 19% hold lawful permanent residency. Another 5% are in the country on temporary visas, like those for international students, diplomats and their families, or seasonal workers. The remaining 27% are considered undocumented.
The majority of international migrants are from Latin America, and the largest single group of immigrants is Mexican. However, the share of people whose home countries are in Europe has declined, and the proportion coming from Asia has increased.
As the debate over how to approach immigration heats up, it’s critical that journalists and politicians are careful to avoid dehumanizing language. It’s also vital that meaningful coverage elevates the voices of actual immigrants.
Using terms like “flood” or “surge” paints human beings seeking shelter and safety as dangerous, unpredictable, and destructive. This can fuel the kind of fear and hatred that drives racist attacks on communities like Charlottesville, where a woman was murdered by neo-Nazis last year.
Many immigrants are members of the first generation to live in their new country, and children who grew up in the United States with at least one migrant parent are known as the second generation. There are also those who are part of the 1.5 generation, a term that aims to address the space in between.
The United States offers a number of advantages for people who decide to make the country their home. There’s a wide variety of career options, and the country’s education system is ranked highly in international comparisons. There is also a great choice of housing, especially outside the major cities. Houses in the United States are usually bigger than those elsewhere, with large gardens and plenty of room inside. The country’s healthcare system is also regarded as one of the best in the world. However, it’s important to note that the cost of living is higher in the USA. This makes it more expensive for people to afford good quality healthcare, especially if they’re working in a high-risk job. This is where having the right medical insurance with Safety Wing comes in handy.