United States immigration statistics facts for kids

The 1850 United States census was the first time the U.S. government asked people where they were born. This means we can see solid numbers about people who moved to the U.S. from other countries. The information below, based on U.S. Census data since 1850, shows how many people living in the U.S. were born somewhere else. Each person who immigrated is counted in every census they live through. So, these numbers show the total number of people born outside the U.S. who were living here at the time of each census.

Understanding Immigration in the U.S.

Immigration is when people move from one country to another to live. The United States has always been a country where people from all over the world come to live and work. Understanding where immigrants come from helps us learn about the history and changes in the U.S. population.

What is the U.S. Census?

The U.S. Census is a count of everyone living in the United States. It happens every ten years. The census helps the government understand how many people live in different areas. It also collects information like age, gender, and where people were born. This data is important for planning schools, roads, and other community needs.

Where Did People Come From?

The table below shows how many people born in other countries were living in the U.S. at different times. It breaks down the numbers by large regions like Europe, Asia, and Latin America. You can see how the numbers changed from 1850 all the way to 2000.

(NA) Not available.
n.e.c. Not elsewhere classified.
1/ Prior to 1980, Taiwan included with China.

Europe: A Closer Look

For many years, most immigrants to the U.S. came from Europe. In 1850, over 2 million people from Europe lived in the U.S. This number grew to nearly 12 million by 1910. Many came from the British Isles (like Ireland and the United Kingdom) and Germany. Over time, immigration from Europe decreased. By 2000, about 4.9 million European-born people lived in the U.S.

Asia: A Growing Population

Immigration from Asia was very small in 1850, with just over 1,000 people. However, this changed a lot in the late 20th century. By 2000, over 8.2 million people from Asia were living in the U.S. Countries like China and India saw big increases in the number of their citizens moving to the U.S.

Latin America: Recent Trends

The number of immigrants from Latin America (which includes Central America, South America, and the Caribbean) has grown very quickly. In 1850, only about 20,000 people from Latin America lived in the U.S. By 2000, this number jumped to over 16 million. Mexico accounts for a large part of this increase.

Other Regions

The census also tracks immigrants from Africa, Oceania (like Australia), and Northern America (like Canada). While these numbers were smaller than Europe or Latin America, they also show changes over time. For example, the number of African-born residents grew from about 500 in 1850 to over 880,000 in 2000.

Why is This Data Important?

This census data helps us understand the changing face of the United States. It shows how different groups of people have contributed to the country's growth and culture. It also helps leaders make decisions about services and support for communities across the nation.