Demographics
Immigrants are a vital, dynamic part of the U.S. population—especially when it comes to the workforce. 77.1% of immigrants are of working age (16–64), compared to just 62.0% of U.S.-born residents, making them key contributors to the economy as both taxpayers and consumers.
- 22.9 million immigrants are active in the U.S. workforce
- 74% of foreign-born residents are proficient in English
- 89.4% of all undocumented immigrants are of working age
- 5.2 million U.S. citizen children living with at least one undocumented family member
- Only 4.9% of immigrants are under 15, compared to 20.3% of U.S.-born residents
- 18% of immigrants are 65+, nearly identical to the 17.7% of U.S.-born seniors
Council Litigation Seeks Refugee Processing Data
This Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit seeks to compel the U.S. Department of State to release data about the demographics, processing, and adjudication of refugees’ applications for admission into the United States through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The United States has long played a leading role in resettling… Read More
Immigrants Do Not Commit More Crimes in the US, Despite Fearmongering
Across the globe, immigrants are increasingly being blamed for committing crimes, with right-wing groups often leading the charge. In the United States, this rhetoric has intensified as politicians aim to demonize immigrants during the election season. However, a wealth of research has discredited this myth, demonstrating that higher shares… Read More
Debunking the Myth of Immigrants and Crime
Using Uniform Crime Reporting data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and population data from the U. S. Census Bureau, the Council created a report on the relationship between immigrants and crime. Read More
Building Community and Fueling Growth: The Role of Immigrants in Reviving the Great Lakes Region
“Building Community and Fueling Growth: The Role of Immigrants in Reviving the Great Lakes Region” was written in partnership with the American Immigration Council (AIC) and is an in-depth analysis of the many ways immigrant talent and resilience are essential for regional recovery, long-term economic growth, and thriving communities across the Great Lakes region. Read More
NEW REPORT: Immigrants are Fueling Economic Growth, Revitalizing Communities in Great Lakes States
A new report describes how immigrants are key to the economic success and future viability of communities across the Great Lakes region. Read More
Immigrants Are Key to Filling US Labor Shortages, New Data Finds
Almost one in every seven people in the United States is an immigrant, according to the American Immigration Council’s new analysis of the 2022 American Community Survey. The updated state-level data from the Council’s Map the Impact tool reveals how immigrants—including those who are undocumented—make crucial contributions… Read More
Are More Undocumented Immigrants Living in the US Now? Here’s What the Numbers Say
According to a new report from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, about 11.0 million undocumented immigrants were living in the United States in 2022—a 4.6% increase from 2020. This is still a 5.2% drop from the recent high of 11.6 million in 2010. The report from the Office… Read More
New Data Analysis: Immigrants Driving Opportunity, Prosperity in the U.S., Including in Swing States
A new analysis of 2022 U.S. census data highlights how, amidst the Biden administration's recent actions to limit asylum access along the U.S.-Mexico border, and in the context of ramped-up anti-immigrant rhetoric during this year’s presidential campaign, immigrants are helping make the United States a more prosperous and economically booming country. Read More
New Report Shows Immigrants Play Critical Role to Michigan’s Population Growth, Economy
Immigrants accounted for 57.7 percent of Michigan’s population growth over last decade and contributed $67.8 billion, or 9.9 percent, of the state’s total GDP in 2022 Read More
Data Snapshot: Middle Eastern and North African Immigrants
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently announced its revision of the race and ethnicity question on federal surveys, including the U.S. census, adding “Middle Eastern or North African (MENA)” as a new category. This welcoming news came ahead of the Arab American Heritage Month in April. Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.