In 2022-2023, all U.S. population growth was due to immigration, marking the first time since 1850 that this has occurred, according to a report by the Migration Policy Institute. The immigrant population grew by 1.6 million people, reaching a record high of 47.8 million in 2023, with a 3.6% increase – the largest since 2010. Despite this growth, the foreign-born percentage of the U.S. population is 14.3%, slightly lower than the 14.8% recorded in 1890.
The report also states that nearly three-quarters of immigrants in the U.S. are legally present, with almost half being naturalized citizens. This legal status includes green-card holders, refugees, asylees, long-term visa holders, students, temporary workers, and others. However, U.S. birth rates have been declining, reaching a historic low in 2023 with a 2% decrease from the previous year. The fertility rate fell to 54.5 births per 1,000 females aged 15-44 in 2023, down from 56 in 2022.
The Census Bureau started collecting data on nativity in 1850 when immigrants made up 10% of the population. The U.S. is currently undergoing significant changes in immigration policy, with efforts by the Trump administration to limit both illegal and legal immigration. These changes are affecting various programs and pathways for legal immigration and naturalization.
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