Probability of Being Foreign-Born in the US

Approximately 14% of the US population (about 46 million people) is foreign-born, according to Census Bureau data. This is near the historic high of 14.8% reached in 1890 during the Great Immigration wave. The share had dropped to a low of 4.7% in 1970 before rising steadily due to post-1965 immigration reform.

The top countries of origin for the foreign-born population are Mexico (24%), India (6%), China (5%), Philippines (4%), and El Salvador (3%). About 77% of immigrants are in the country legally (naturalized citizens, lawful permanent residents, and authorized temporary residents), while about 23% are unauthorized. The foreign-born population is geographically concentrated: California (27% foreign-born), New York (23%), New Jersey (23%), and Florida (21%) have the highest shares.

Immigration is a major driver of US population growth and economic vitality. Immigrants and their children will account for about 88% of US population growth through 2065. Immigrants are more likely to start businesses than native-born Americans (about 25% more likely), and immigrant-founded companies include roughly 45% of Fortune 500 companies. Educational attainment is bimodal: immigrants are more likely than native-born Americans to have both less than a high school diploma and a graduate degree.