The United States is a nation built in part by immigrants, and the country remains a magnet for people seeking new opportunities here. Some 14.3 percent of the nation’s residents are foreign born, according to the most recent estimates from the Census Bureau—and the share is projected to rise even further in the years ahead as aging Baby Boomers retire and birth rates decline. Immigrants work in many of the economy’s largest sectors, including hospitality and service, education, healthcare, construction, and agriculture.
By and large, most immigrant respondents say their financial situation, job prospects, educational opportunities, and the standard of living for their children are better since they moved to the United States. The majority also say they would choose to move to the United States again if they had the opportunity.
The majority of immigrant adults (ages 25 and older) have at least a bachelor’s degree, a rate similar to that of the general U.S. population. The share of immigrants with a college degree has increased slightly in recent decades as a result of rising levels of immigration.
Most immigrants—regardless of their age when they arrived in the United States—say their main reasons for coming here are to find better jobs and educational opportunities, a better future for their children, and more rights and freedoms. Smaller but still sizeable shares cite other factors such as escaping unsafe or violent conditions or joining family members here.
Immigrants are a very diverse group, representing more than 140 countries of origin. In 2023, Mexico had the largest number of foreign-born residents, followed by India and China. Together, these three countries accounted for nearly half of all new arrivals to the United States in that year.
Generally, immigration boosts potential output slightly more than aggregate demand, which helps keep inflation low. It does not, however, make it any easier for policymakers to match supply and demand by adjusting interest rates or changing the level of employment.
The country’s two political parties are divided over how to best address the issue of immigration. Nevertheless, a solid majority of Americans say that the country has benefited from the presence of its many immigrants and that they want the current levels of immigration to continue. The American people are also very generous in supporting charities that help immigrants to survive and thrive in the United States, with some individuals spending more than $1 billion annually on this effort. Nevertheless, a majority of respondents believe that the federal government should play a major role in setting immigration policy. They also agree that the nation needs to develop a more robust system for identifying and helping refugees. They believe that the existing system is too cumbersome and costly. They further suggest that the nation establish a new visa program to attract highly skilled migrants. In addition, they want the federal government to set more ambitious goals for immigration than it currently does. They support a comprehensive plan to ensure that the United States is a welcoming place for all its residents.