The 5 Most Popular States in the USA for Immigrants
Some American states have more of a draw for immigrants than others. Whether it’s better job opportunities, nicer weather, or ties to communities, there’s certainly a noticeable disparity.
While America’s entire foundation is based on immigration, some states definitely embrace this more than others. Here’s a brief rundown of the five most popular states in the United States for immigrants.
1. California
According to the US Census Bureau, California is the most popular state for immigrants. This will hardly come as a surprise considering its nice weather and the presence of high-profile industries. Its foreign-born population is around 10.5 million, or 27% of the population. The most popular country of origin for immigrants is, unsurprisingly, Mexico.
2. New York
New York comes in at a close second in the most popular states in the United States, this time with an immigrant population of nearly 4.5 million. This equates to 22.6% of the state’s population, and the most common country of origin is the Dominican Republic. Like California, New York is popular because of its booming arts industry and worldwide popularity. Another important factor in New York’s popularity is Wall Street, which is also known internationally as a high-profile and appealing job market.
3. New Jersey
Although New Jersey’s immigrant population only numbers around 2 million, it’s still nearly 22% of the state’s population and among the the 5 most popular states in the USA for Immigrants. This time, the most common country of origin is India. NJ is popular with Indians because it has a historical Guajarati community, meaning immigrants can feel at home more easily if they’re from the same Indian regions. Also, NJ is quite close to New York, making it a good choice for those working in the state who don’t want to live there.
4. Florida
Florida is another unsurprising addition to the most popular states in the United States for immigrants. Known for its great weather and close-knit communities, it has an appeal for those wanting to settle on the Eastern Seaboard. Its immigrant population is nearly 4 million (20%) and the most popular country of origin is Cuba. Florida is also known as a popular retirement destination, which brings with it a large job market in the care sector.
5. Nevada
On the surface, Nevada might seem like a surprising addition to this list. But when you consider its proximity to California and Mexico, it begins to make sense. Also, Nevada is home to Las Vegas, which has a booming job market in service and casino roles, which are easy money. The state’s immigrant population is around 19.3%, which is just over half a million people.
Conclusion – The 5 Most Popular States in the USA for Immigrants
Few of the five most popular states in the United States for immigrants are massive surprises. In fact, each one has features in the top 10 for the last 30 years. The main draws are usually employment or education, and most of these states are known internationally for having either or both. While immigrant populations can change quickly and significantly, you’ll usually find most of these states at the top of the list.