The proportion of foreign-born individuals residing in the United States reached its highest level in over a century last year, as per data revealed from the comprehensive American Community Survey. The percentage of people born outside the U.S. rose to 14.3% in 2023 from 13.9% in 2022, indicating a significant increase. International migrants have been playing a crucial role in the population growth of the country, with their share in the overall population witnessing a hike, especially as the birth rate among U.S. citizens declines.

The surge in the foreign-born population seemed to stem largely from individuals arriving from Latin America, as their portion of the foreign-born populace saw a rise to 51.2% from 50.3%. Conversely, the share of foreign-born residents originating from Europe and Asia saw a slight decrease. This influx has been attributed to individuals seeking better opportunities and a higher quality of life in the United States.

Migrants like Luciana Bracho from Venezuela, who arrived in Miami legally, highlighted the appeal of the U.S., citing better services and opportunities. Similarly, individuals such as Nicole Díaz, escaping threats in their home countries, found solace in South Florida. The data shows that international migrants accounted for a substantial portion of the country’s population growth in recent years.

The increasing diversity in the U.S. population was also evident in the rise of Hispanic individuals to 19.4% from 19.1% in the previous year. Meanwhile, the percentage of non-Hispanic white individuals decreased slightly. Additionally, the aging population trend continued, with the median age rising from 39 to 39.2 in 2023, accompanied by a slight increase in the share of senior citizens.

On the work front, the shift towards remote work prompted by the pandemic showed signs of normalization, as the percentage of employees working from home decreased last year. This decline in remote work was accompanied by a slight increase in commute times, reflective of a return to pre-pandemic routines. The evolving demographics and work dynamics in the U.S. indicate ongoing shifts in societal patterns and behaviors.