The United States welcomes more immigrants than any other nation, with over 1 million people receiving permanent residency (green cards) in 2022 alone. The top countries of origin for these immigrants are varied and diverse, with some coming from regions fleeing conflict, poverty, or seeking better opportunities.
According to data from the Office of Homeland Security Statistics, Mexico remains the most significant contributor to U.S. immigration, with a total of 10.7 million immigrants. In 2022, 138,772 green cards were issued to individuals from Mexico, many of whom are seeking economic opportunities, improved living standards, and family reunification.
India ranks second on the list, with 127,012 immigrants receiving green cards in 2022. Indian immigration has surged in recent years due to the country’s large pool of skilled professionals, particularly in the tech and healthcare sectors, who seek better job prospects and higher education opportunities in the U.S.
The top 15 countries of origin for green card recipients in 2022 are:
1. Mexico (138,772)
2. India (127,012)
3. China (67,950)
4. Dominican Republic (40,152)
5. Cuba (36,642)
6. Philippines (35,998)
7. El Salvador (30,876)
8. Vietnam (24,425)
9. Brazil (24,169)
10. Colombia (21,723)
11. Venezuela (21,025)
12. Honduras (17,099)
13. Guatemala (16,990)
14. Jamaica (16,482)
15. South Korea (16,172)
Together, immigrants from Mexico and India accounted for 26% of the total green cards issued in 2022, with a combined total of 265,784 individuals receiving permanent residency.
It’s worth noting that immigration patterns can be influenced by various factors such as economic conditions, travel restrictions, and global events. As a result, the number of immigrants from India has fluctuated over the years, dropping to a 10-year low in 2020 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions before increasing again in 2021 and 2022.
Source: Visual Capitalist
