Nation's immigrant population hits record 40M

October 6, 2011

WASHINGTON -- The nation's immigrant population -- legal and illegal -- reached 40 million in 2010, the highest number in American history, according to new data from the Census Bureau.

Nearly 14 million new immigrants settled in the country from 2000 to 2010, making it the highest decade of immigration in American history.

The immigration record came despite a net decline of jobs during the decade. In contrast, from 1990 to 2000, job growth was 22 million and 13.2 million new immigrants arrived.

The Census Bureau said immigrants came for many reasons, including a desire to join relatives or to access public services.

According to the latest data, the nation's immigrant population has doubled since 1990, nearly tripled since 1980 and quadrupled since 1970 when it stood at 9.7 million.

While the number of immigrants in the country is higher than at any time in American history, the immigrant share of the population was higher 90 years ago.

Overall, the immigrant population grew 28 percent between 2000 and 2010.

States with the largest numerical increases over the last decade were: California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Washington, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Since 1990, the immigrant population has doubled, growing at more than twice the national rate in 15 states, including Arizona at 208 percent.

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