For the first time since the U.S. Census Bureau began tracking nativity data in 1850, all population growth in the country during the 2022-23 period was due to immigration rather than births, a migration research institute reported Wednesday.
The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) attributed this trend to declining birth rates in the U.S., noting that immigration was the sole driver of population growth. The findings were part of MPI’s latest edition of “Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration in the United States.”
Between 2022 and 2023, the immigrant population expanded by 1.6 million, reaching a record 47.8 million by 2023. This marked a 3.6% increase in the foreign-born population, the highest annual growth since 2010, according to the institute’s analysis.
Despite the increase in numbers, the proportion of foreign-born individuals in the U.S. stood at 14.3% of the total population. This remains slightly below the historical peak of 14.8% recorded in 1890, MPI noted.
MPI’s report highlighted that nearly three-quarters, or 73%, of immigrants residing in the U.S. have legal status. Almost half of them are naturalized citizens. Other legally present individuals include green-card holders (permanent residents), refugees, and individuals granted asylum. Additionally, those with long-term visas, such as students, temporary workers, and individuals in other visa categories, are also considered legally present.
Meanwhile, birth rates in the U.S. declined to an all-time low in 2023, dropping 2% from the previous year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The country’s fertility rate decreased from 56 births per 1,000 females aged 15-44 in 2022 to 54.5 births per 1,000 in 2023.
The Census Bureau initially collected nativity data in 1850, when immigrants numbered 2.2 million and comprised 10% of the total U.S. population.
This demographic shift comes at a time when U.S. immigration policy is undergoing significant changes. The Trump administration has introduced several measures aimed at restricting immigration, primarily targeting unauthorized entries. However, some legal immigration and naturalization pathways have also been affected by these policy shifts.