A Historical Perspective on U.S. Immigration Trends

• The foreign-born population in the United States reached an all-time high of 50 million in 2024.
• The share of immigrants in the total U.S. population is approximately 15%, mirroring peak levels seen in the late 19th century.
• Significant shifts have occurred in the origin of immigrants, moving from primarily European countries to Latin American and Asian nations.

Historical Data Trends

• The foreign-born population grew from 2 million in 1850 to 10 million by 1900, peaking in 1930 before declining to a low point in 1970.
• Following 1970, there has been a sustained, substantial increase in the number of foreign-born residents.
• While the absolute count is at an unprecedented high, the relative share of the total population has returned to levels last observed in the 1890s.

Changes in Demographic Origins

• Early 20th Century: Immigrants were predominantly from Germany, Ireland, and other European nations, with Canada being the largest non-European source.
• 2024: Mexico is the most common country of birth, followed by India and China, reflecting a shift toward Latin America and Asia.

Measurement Caveats

• The data includes all foreign-born residents, encompassing both naturalized citizens and unauthorized migrants, regardless of legal status.
• These figures are derived from U.S. Census Bureau data and do not explicitly distinguish between legal and illegal migration.