America’s a nation built on movement – the restless, the bold, the hopeful.
But who’s coming, who’s going, and which groups are making the biggest waves in the U.S. today?
Here’s a breakdown of the numbers shaping the nation’s immigrant landscape.
Green Light for Green Cards

Last year, about 1.1 million people locked in permanent residency, joining the U.S. for work, family reunification, or refuge.
Temporary Touchdown
Millions more stream in on temporary work, student, and tourist visas, filling critical labor gaps and supporting the economy.
Top Countries on the Move
Mexico, India, China, the Philippines, and El Salvador still dominate the immigration charts, continuing long-standing trends.
Refugee Resurgence
With conflicts raging, the U.S. took in around 125,000 refugees in 2024 – a lifeline for those from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Syria.
Turning Back
Not everyone stays. Some immigrants return to their roots, driven by family ties, retirement plans, or shifting economic prospects.
Path to Citizenship
About 800,000 immigrants went all the way last year, taking the oath and earning their place as full U.S. citizens.
The Shadow Population
An estimated 10.5 million undocumented immigrants remain, many of whom have called the U.S. home for decades.
Economic Muscle
Immigrants play a critical role in industries like healthcare, agriculture, and construction, keeping the American economy on its feet.
Hotspots of Change
California, Texas, Florida, and New York remain immigrant magnets, reflecting both opportunity and deep-rooted communities.
The Road Ahead
With policy battles heating up, the future of U.S. immigration is as uncertain as ever – a constant tug of war between open doors and closed borders.