Immigrants represent a vital part of the nation’s population. They and their children will shape the country’s future. In a generation, they’re expected to account for 82 percent of the nation’s population growth. During that time, the United States will welcome more than 117 million new immigrants and their descendants. These new arrivals will be the fastest-growing segment of the American population, and they will bring a wealth of experience and perspectives to the United States.
Almost 46.2 million people in the United States are immigrants, or have parents who are immigrants. As of 2022, this is the largest immigrant population in history. In the past, most immigration has been from Europe, but in recent decades the number of immigrants from Latin America and Asia have surged.
Many reasons have driven people to seek a better life in the United States, from work and education opportunities to joining family members or escaping conflict or large-scale human rights violations. Regardless of where they came from, nearly all immigrants say they would choose to move to the United States again if they had to make the choice all over.
When asked what matters most to them in their lives, about one-third of immigrants cited financial stability or other economic concerns. They were also concerned about health and medical issues, their children’s education and safety. In focus groups, many people spoke about sacrifices they had made in order to ensure a brighter future for their families.
The survey was conducted online in June and July 2022 by KFF with the support of the LA Times. The study was based on a nationally representative sample of adult immigrants, ages 18 and older, who were born outside the United States or have parents who are immigrants. The sample was weighted by age, educational attainment, income, race and ethnicity, and immigration status. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.
In addition to the online survey, a series of in-person focus group interviews were conducted at sites across the country. This report draws on the perspectives of 39 participants in those sessions, which were recorded and transcribed, as well as 13 additional in-depth interviews with experts in public policy, community outreach, law and academia.
Immigrants are a vital part of the American community and they want to be fully integrated into their adopted country, but they often feel that the American dream is out of reach. The majority of respondents, even those who have lived in the United States for a long time, say that they are still working hard to climb the socioeconomic ladder, find good jobs, and become civically engaged. Many are reluctant to use the term “American,” but all agree that they want to be treated fairly and with respect. Many of them struggle to understand why some in the United States have trouble accepting this desire. They believe that there are misconceptions about immigrants’ values, work ethic and culture.