The United States of America has been a popular destination for immigrants. Today it has the highest population of immigrants in the world. It makes up for one-fifth of the total immigrant population. It is not just the high numbers, but also the diversity of immigrants that can be found only in the USA. The country has people coming in from all over the globe for studies, work, or as refugees of war. The immigration process and issues associated with it have been the highlight of American politics and current affairs for years now. In this article, we explore various facts about USA immigration and how the trend has evolved in time.
The USA has a population that can speak close to 500 different languages. Among all, the English language is most prevalent. The number of people speaking Spanish has also been increasing rapidly. In cities like New York, one might find schools and colleges with over 200 languages being spoken. Immigration workers or lawyers are also well versed in several native and foreign languages.
Years of study have revealed that immigrants are much more active on the business front as compared to the natives. A large portion of the Fortune 500 companies are owned by immigrants. Immigrants are therefore huge contributors to the economy of the USA.
USA’s 18% population is comprised of Latinos and 5.6% of Asian immigrants. They make up the largest segment of the immigrant population in the USA. The Latinos have been migrating to the USA for decades now and their population makes up for the second largest ethnic group in the country. Mexico is the leading country from which immigrants have arrived in the USA. Asians are mostly coming from China, India, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. Next in line are the immigrants from European and African nations.
USA’s 18% population is comprised of Latinos and 5.6% of Asian immigrants. They make up the largest segment of the immigrant population in the USA. The Latinos have been migrating to the USA for decades now and their population makes up for the second largest ethnic group in the country. Mexico is the leading country from which immigrants have arrived in the USA. Asians are mostly coming from China, India, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. Next in line are the immigrants from European and African nations.
An interesting revelation has been made about the physicians of the USA. About 30% of the doctors, we visit are immigrants, and they are a major reason behind the good healthcare the USA has been providing. The country also attracts a large number of medical and dental students every year, who come to the States in search of better education and work. The development of science in the USA is also dependent on immigrants.
Every year many illegal immigrants are removed from the nation due to violation of the immigration laws. However, under Obama’s presidency, the country witnessed the removal of around 2 million immigrants, which was the largest so far and attracted global attention.
USA citizenship laws are quite strict, especially when it comes to immigrants. Even if an immigrant marries a US citizen, he/she will have to live with the partner for at least 3 years before applying for citizenship. Also, applying for citizenship in the USA can be an expensive affair, costing over 600 USD for a single applicant.
The deferred action programs of the USA let unlawful citizens obtain a work permit in the country and avoid being deported. This program is meant to keep the half immigrant families united. Immigrant parents who have an American child or children who have landed in the USA without any legal documents can benefit from this program. So far, such programs have benefitted 665,000 immigrants. These programs are the reason behind the creation of thousands of job opportunities for the people of America. It is estimated that in the next decade, these programs will lead to an increase in the total revenue by 250 million dollars. It is a major boost to the country’s economy.
One might think being an immigrant can save you from paying the taxes. But it is not true when in the USA. Sales tax and real estate tax apply to all immigrants, whether or not authorized. Legal immigrants have to pay the income tax as well. However, they are not entitled to any income benefits such as social security.
The USA believes the immigrants are less likely to indulge in criminal activities when compared to the natives. Therefore, the rates of incarceration for the immigrants are much lower than natives.
The DREAM act is aimed to help immigrant children receive a college education. These undocumented immigrants are allowed to go to colleges in the USA and even work with a permit. The applicants should have arrived in the country before 16 years of age and should have lived in the USA for at least 5 consecutive years.
A rapid rise in immigrant numbers
As of 2019, the USA had 90 million immigrants including their US-born children. This is around 28% of the total USA population. The number has been on a constant rise since the introduction of the immigration laws in the 1960s. The percentage of immigrants was a mere 4.8 according to a study in 1970. Ever since the growth has been constant. The numbers comprise of legal, illegal, and undocumented immigrants who land in the country for various reasons. About 77% are legal and a good percentage have also been accepted as legal citizens. In 2017, it was found that 27% of the total immigrants were permanent residents while 5% were in the country temporarily.
The ever increasing immigrant population has been beneficial to the US economy and society. The GDP of the nation is expected to rise rapidly with more and more immigrants in the country. Major sectors of the USA are dependent on immigrant workers and students. This is why the nation has drafted various programs to encourage outsiders to stay and work for the native businesses. An efficient immigration system will ensure the well being and prosperity of all people living in the USA.
