Those who come to the United States to live are immigrants. They are people who move to a new country to settle permanently or for an opportunity to pursue a career. They usually move to a country because of a better job opportunity, a better lifestyle, or education. They may also move to a new country for business or tourism.
While there are some immigrants who have assimilated naturally, most immigrants have had to overcome the difficulties of assimilation. They may come to the United States legally through a green card or visa. They may choose to remain in the United States permanently, but they may also choose to return to their home country at any time.
Immigrants are often drawn to certain industries and occupations, such as agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, and the construction industry. They also tend to gravitate toward places of worship, ethnic enclaves, and social events. They may also be drawn to the United States for a reunion with family members. Some immigrants also work in nursing homes caring for the elderly.
There are many reasons that immigrants are drawn to the United States, including a higher standard of living and better education. Many immigrants work in industries that need workers with certain skill sets, such as computer sciences. Immigrants are also drawn to smaller towns in the Midwest and Southeast, particularly in the states of Georgia and South Carolina.
During the early 20th century, immigration patterns in the United States were characterized by annual arrivals of over one million immigrants. Most immigrants came from Europe and Asia. By the late 1950s, the foreign born presence had dropped to around 14 to 15 percent of the American population. The foreign born population reached its lowest level in 1970. In 2005, Europe hosted the largest number of immigrants. The foreign born population also grew faster in Latin America and Central America than in any other region. However, the foreign born population decreased to just over 10 million by the end of the decade.
Many immigrants are not able to assimilate to the United States as quickly as others because they have been conditioned to live in a different culture and speak a different language. However, most immigrants do assimilate to the United States and become a part of society. Immigrants are often given basic amenities, such as healthcare. Immigrants may also receive a green card or visa that allows them to settle in the United States permanently.
The 1965 immigration law, which was part of the Civil Rights era reforms, changed immigration policy in the United States. It repealed national origins quotas that had been enacted in the 1920s. It also opened the door for immigrants from Latin America and Asia. A preference system was introduced for highly skilled professionals from Asian countries to immigrate to the United States. These immigrants could sponsor their families.
In the United States, immigrants come from a variety of countries and have different educational levels. Immigrants are also overrepresented in certain groups, including college graduates. Immigrants who come from Mexico and Central America have fewer educational qualifications than native born Americans.