From the earliest times, people have moved to find new opportunities or to escape danger and hardship. Today, more international migrants live in the United States than in any other country. In fact, 14 percent of the nation’s residents are foreign-born.
Immigrants come from all over the world and represent almost every racial and ethnic group. They also have a wide range of backgrounds and career goals. But despite these differences, many immigrants are united by similar experiences and concerns.
The KFF Survey of Immigrants, conducted with the Los Angeles Times in spring 2023, is the largest and most representative national survey to date of adults ages 18 and older who are living in the U.S. as immigrants or who have family members who are immigrants. The survey’s sample of 3,358 immigrant adults includes both legal and undocumented immigrants, reflecting the diversity of the broader immigrant population. The survey also includes detailed focus groups that expand upon survey responses.
Among all working adults, more than half (47%) say they have experienced discrimination in the workplace. Most often, this involves being paid less than those born in the United States or having fewer opportunities for advancement at work. Other common forms of discrimination reported by working immigrants include being forced to work overtime or being given undesirable shifts, and being underpaid for all hours worked.
While the majority of working immigrants are employed, two-thirds of them report having little or no money saved. Moreover, most have trouble affording monthly bills. About four in ten (37%) say they are just able to pay their bills, while about eight in ten (80%) of those with higher incomes have enough money left over each month to do so.
Many immigrants are worried about their future in the United States. About 17% of likely undocumented immigrants and about half of those who are Black say they plan to leave the country in the next five years. Some of this reflects concern over the state of the economy and other factors. But the vast majority of those who plan to leave are primarily worried about their immigration status.
When asked to name the best thing that has come from moving to the United States, most survey respondents—including undocumented immigrants—point to better opportunities and a higher quality of life. In focus groups, participants also mention the opportunity to provide their children with a better future. This is a significant finding, because many of the reasons why people migrate to the United States are related to their families and children. For this reason, the term “immigrant” is a broad one that encompasses people from all walks of life. It is important to recognize the contributions and challenges that come with this diversity.