Immigrants’ Views of the United States

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As workers, business owners, students, and neighbors, immigrants make extensive contributions that benefit the nation. One in seven Americans lives in a household headed by an immigrant, and the American economy benefits from their spending. They pay billions in taxes and generate trillions of dollars in economic output. In the process, they often enrich the cultural fabric of the United States.

The vast majority of immigrants surveyed say that they are happy to live in the United States. However, they are still trying to achieve a full sense of integration in their new homes. This includes establishing a solid financial footing, making social connections, and engaging in civic activities. Among other things, this means building a path to citizenship for their children.

When asked to name the best thing that has come from moving to the United States, most immigrants mention better work and educational opportunities, a safer environment, or more freedoms. Some cite escaping oppressive political or religious persecution, harsh living conditions, or a desire to provide a better life for their children.

In addition, many immigrants say that the country isn’t as welcoming as it should be, reflecting a broader view of the United States as a place that is not as open or diverse as it could be. This is especially true for Black and Hispanic immigrants, and those who are likely undocumented or have limited English proficiency.

Most of those surveyed say they plan to stay in the United States permanently, although about half say they will return to their home countries at some point. This may be a reflection of their strong attachment to family and friends back home, their desire to give back to their communities, or concerns about safety in their homelands.

Those surveyed are a diverse group that includes recent arrivals, as well as people who have lived in the country for longer periods of time. They include a wide range of socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, and represent a broad spectrum of world views. They are more likely to be women than men, and their ages span from teens to older adults.

This study was based on surveys conducted online and by phone, and by face-to-face interviews with 1,002 immigrants across the country. Focus groups were also conducted in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and Sioux Falls. The survey was sponsored by the National Council for La Raza and the Ford Foundation.

The term “immigrant” has long been subject to a variety of political and social interpretations, and it is used in many different contexts by the general public and in various policy areas. For the purposes of this research, the following definition is used:

The terms “migrant” and “asylum seeker” are also widely used. Migrants generally travel from one place to another for reasons related to work or family, while asylum seekers travel to the United States because of a well-founded fear of persecution. In order to qualify as a refugee, migrants must present themselves on U.S. soil to file a claim, which the United States is legally obligated to consider under international law.