U.S. Foreign-Born Population Hits Century-High

The U.S. foreign-born population reached a 100-year high in 2023, rising to 14.3% from 13.9% in 2022. Driven largely by migration from Latin America, this growth has become a key demographic driver. Meanwhile, demographic shifts include an aging population, increasing Hispanic representation, and a decline in remote work post-pandemic.

The percentage of U.S. residents who were foreign-born reached its highest level in over a century, according to figures from the American Community Survey released Thursday.

The share of people born outside of the U.S. rose to 14.3% in 2023, up from 13.9% in 2022, per estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau's annual survey, which covers topics like commuting, internet access, and family life. International migration has been a primary driver of this increase, as fewer children are being born domestically. This rate hasn't been seen since 1910 when it was 14.7%.

Latin American migrants, who now constitute 51.2% of the foreign-born population, have been driving much of this increase, with fewer immigrants coming from Europe and Asia. Meanwhile, the Census data indicates a rise in the Hispanic population to 19.4% and a slight aging of the U.S. population, with the median age rising to 39.2. Remote work is also declining, with more people returning to offices and commute times slightly increasing.

(With inputs from agencies.)