IMMIGRATION
In Focus
"See more clearly when you are informed"
Immigration refers to the movement of people between countries for a number of reasons including economic opportunity, political instability, and climate events. It has played a key role in our nation’s history and is one of the most contentious issues in the news today. Below you will find key terms, statistics, and other useful tools to understand and talk about Immigration. If you would like to know more, consider coming to an IYC event. Our next one can be found below in the section labeled Our Events. We host them virtually, on a wide range of topics, discussing policy, civics, and current events.
Key Terms You Should Know
Migrate:
To move from one country, place, or locality to another
Immigrate: To migrate INTO a country or territory.
Emmigrate: To migrate OUT OF a country or territory
Multiculturalism:
When cultures, races, and ethnicities embrace their differences to be appreciated within a dominate culture.
Undocumented Immigrant:
Often called "illegal immigrant", an informal, casual, colloquial term often considered offensive.
Migrant:
1. A person who moves regularly in order to find work.
2. A person who leaves one country to settle permanently in another; an immigrant.
Documented Immigrant:
"legal immigrant" or alien- owing politicial allegiance to another country or government; foreign.
Moments In History
1620 - Pilgrims from the Mayflower land on Plymouth Rock
1790 - The passing of the Nationality Act
1965 - The passing of the Immigration & Nationality Act
1776 - July 4th Signing of the Declaration of Indepedence
1870 - The passing of the Naturalization Act
Statistics
According to the 2019 American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, the largest group of immigrants in the United States is comprised of Mexican, followed by Chinese and Indian, immigrants.
As of 2018, 55% of billion dollar U.S. companies were founded or cofounded by immigrants according to the National Foundation for American Policy.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported that 17% of the current labor force is foreign born. This 2021 statistic is consistent with pre-pandemic levels.
12,000,000 immigrants travelled through Ellis Island from when it opened in 1892 through 1954 according to The Statue of Liberty—Ellis Island Foundation.
Refugees accepted into the U.S., according to the UN Refugee Agency in 2021, included people from:
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Democratic Republic of Congo 43%
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Syria 11%
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Afghanistan 8%
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Ukraine 7%
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Myanmar 7%
Values
Being Welcoming & Hospitable
Intercultural Appreciation
Providing Refuge & Sanctuary
Openness
The American Dream
Notable Names
Alexander Hamilton
Yo-Yo Ma
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Melania Trump
Ilhan Omar
Symbols
Our Events
Past
Future
Further Resources
Immigration in the US Infographic
Share what you have learned about Immigration. Our Infographic has been designed to be shared easily by printing, emailing, or posting on social media. Click on the image to view or download the PDF File. (Not for commercial use.)
Know-It-All Event Video
Our crafting event for kids was lots of fun! Use your own materials to participate in our craft project. Watch the video to learn how to make your own Immigration Magnet Picture Frame! You can also make an event out of it by hosting your own Celebrate & Create: Immigration crafting party. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)
Take Action
Don't ask, "Where are you from?"
Ask your family about their immigration history.
Commit to one immigration friendly action each week.
Learn about another culture to dispel stereotypes.
Share our Immigration Infographic with friends, family, and anyone and everyone you think would appreciate becoming more informed!