Immigration is a crucial aspect of the United States’ history and culture. The US has always been a melting pot of different cultures, traditions, and beliefs, which is why it is no surprise that it continues to be a top destination for immigrants from all over the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at how many immigrants come to the US each year, including the different types of immigration and the trends over the years.
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Total Number of Immigrants
According to data from the Migration Policy Institute, the total number of immigrants in the United States as of 2021 is approximately 44.9 million, which represents approximately 13.7% of the total US population. However, this number is not limited to immigrants who have recently arrived in the US.
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Legal Immigration
In terms of legal immigration, the US government approves a certain number of visas each year for various categories of immigrants. These categories include family-sponsored visas, employment-based visas, diversity visas, and refugees/asylees. In 2021, the US government has authorized approximately 1.1 million new permanent residents, or green card holders.
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Family-Sponsored Visas
Family-sponsored visas are issued to foreign nationals who are immediate relatives of US citizens or permanent residents. In 2021, approximately 65% of the total number of new permanent residents were granted family-sponsored visas.
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Employment-Based Visas
Employment-based visas are issued to foreign nationals who have been offered employment in the US. In 2021, approximately 14% of the total number of new permanent residents were granted employment-based visas.
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Diversity Visas
The Diversity Visa (DV) program, also known as the green card lottery, allows individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the US to apply for permanent residency. In 2021, approximately 5% of the total number of new permanent residents were granted diversity visas.
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Refugees/Asylees
Refugees and asylees are individuals who are seeking protection in the US due to persecution or the fear of persecution in their home country. In 2021, approximately 15% of the total number of new permanent residents were granted refugee or asylee status.
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Illegal Immigration
Illegal immigration is a complex issue that has been the subject of much debate in the US. While there is no accurate count of the number of illegal immigrants in the US, estimates range from 10 to 12 million individuals. It is important to note that illegal immigration has been declining in recent years.
In conclusion, immigration continues to be a vital component of the US population. While the US government approves a certain number of visas for various categories of immigrants each year, there are also many individuals who enter the US illegally. As the country continues to evolve, it is important to monitor these trends to understand the impact of immigration on the US economy and society.
