Key Findings About U.S. Immigrants

Vocabulary flashcards based on Pew Research Center data covering U.S. immigrant demographics, legal status categories, policy acts, and historical waves.

Immigrant Peak of January 2025

The historic high point of the U.S. foreign-born population, reaching 53.3 million people and making up 15.8% of the total U.S. population.

1965 Immigration and Nationality Act

U.S. legislation that opened up immigration from Asia and Latin America, replacing prior law that favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe.

Immigration Act of 1990

U.S. legislation that further increased legal immigration and allowed immigrants from more countries to enter the U.S. legally.

Naturalized U.S. Citizens

Foreign-born residents who have lawfully acquired U.S. citizenship through naturalization, accounting for 46% (23.8 million) of all U.S. immigrants in 2023.

Lawful Permanent Residents

Immigrants, often referred to as 'green card holders,' who have legal authorization to reside permanently in the U.S., representing 23% (11.9 million) of U.S. immigrants in 2023.

Lawful Temporary Residents

Foreign-born individuals permitted to stay in the U.S. for a limited period of time, usually for work or study, constituting 4% (2.1 million) of U.S. immigrants in 2023.

Unauthorized Immigrants

Immigrants living in the U.S. without legal permanent status, making up 27% (14.0 million) of the total U.S. foreign-born population in 2023.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

A program offering temporary protection from deportation to immigrants in the U.S. from countries facing war, natural disasters, or other crises, held by 650,000 unauthorized immigrants in 2023.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

A program providing deportation protections to foreign-born individuals who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children, enrolling 600,000 immigrants in 2023.

Northern Europe Wave

The U.S. immigration era from 1840 to 1889, during which 14,314,000 immigrants arrived, 89% of whom came from Europe (primarily Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom).

Southern/Eastern Europe Wave

The U.S. immigration era from 1890 to 1919, during which 18,244,000 immigrants arrived, 88% of whom came from Europe (primarily Italy, Russia & Poland, and Austria-Hungary).

Modern Era Immigration

The U.S. immigration era from 1965 to 2025, during which 76,300,000 immigrants arrived, with 50% originating from Latin America and 26% from South/East Asia.

English Proficiency

A standard defined as speaking English 'very well' or speaking only English at home, achieved by 52% of U.S. immigrants ages 5 and older in 2023.

Top Origin Country for U.S. Immigrants

Mexico, which was the birthplace of more than 11 million U.S. residents in 2023, representing 22% of all immigrants living in the nation.