Research Guides: Immigration: Statistics & Data

U.S. Immigration Statistics

Historical Statistics of the U.S.
Historical statistics for the U.S. from colonial times through the 20th century, covering population, work and welfare, economic structure and performance, economic sectors, as well as governance and international relations. Recently updated.
Statistical Abstract of the United States
Summarizes U.S. social, political and economic data in convenient tables from a wide variety of Federal and State agencies as well as private organizations. Tables available in either PDF or Excel. Check original sources of data for more detailed information. Excellent introductory essay at beginning of each PDF section. Updated monthly. For earlier editions (1970-current) use drop down menu in database. Archived government editions (1878-2012) available free at U.S. Census Bureau and Cybercemetery sites. Tip sheet.

Measuring America: The Decennial Census 1790-1920
An explanation of the Census, including individual questions asked.
Office of Immigration Statistics, Homeland Security
Free government website from the Department of Homeland Security. Immigration statistics, report on removal of illegal immigrants, report on refugees and asylees, and non-immigrant admissions to the the U. S.
Yearbook of Immigration Statistics
Free government website from the Department of Homeland Security. Data on foreign nationals granted lawful residence in the U.S.
Historical Census Statistics on the Foreign-Born Population of the United States: 1850-2000
Free government website from the U.S. Census Bureau. Historical census data.
U. S. Immigration Trends - Migration Policy Institute
Free website of the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), an independent, nonpartisan think tank in Washington, DC that provides analysis and evaluation of migration and refugee policies at local, national, and international levels. Their page on U.S. immigration includes tables and graphs of a number of relevant characteristics.
Pew Research Center
Nonpartisan research and statistics on a number of topics including immigration, social trends, U.S. politics, religion, the media, technology, and more.
Net Migration Patterns for U. S. Counties
Data based on U.S. Census data. Free website from the University of Wisconsin.
Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC): Immigration
A free website co-sponsored by Syracuse University and others to provide independent and nonpartisan information about U. S. Federal immigration enforcement.

Migrant and Immigrant Population Demographics

Migration Policy Institute - Migration Data Hub
Includes country and comparative data, including many country profiles (with links) and US trends.
Migration & Remittances Data - World Bank
Includes fact book that provides a snapshot of migration and remittances for all countries, regions and income groups of the world, annual remittances data, bilateral migration matrix, and some downloadable datasets.

United States Census data and reports about immigration. Data includes Census 2000 demographic profiles by country of birth. Reports primarily cover special topics and trends.
Ethnic diversity and immigration from Statistics Canada
United States Census Bureau: Migration/Geographic Mobility
Department of Homeland Security - Immigration Data & Statistics
Topics include naturalization, refugees, apprehensions, deportations, etc. Additional statistical reports are listed under the "Publications" link.
Fifty Most Populous Refugee Camps
Web-based map profiles the 50 most populous settlements administered by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
data.unhcr.org
Information sharing portals with data about UNHCR and partners’ response to the current emergencies and other protracted refugee crises.

Other Statistical Resources

CIA World Fact Book
Annual survey, with profiles of all countries and territories from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.

Country Studies from the Library of Congress
Each online book contains historical and cultural background information on the country it covers. Formerly known as the Area Handbooks from the Department of the Army.

Human Development Report
Full text of UNDP Human Development Reports, from 1990 to the next to most current year, plus national Human Development Reports and an excellent statistics section on industrialized and developing countries.
MDG Monitor
A one-stop-shop for information on progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), globally and at the country level. Statistics and project progress information are available by country and by goal.
UNESCO Institute for Statistics
United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) statistical institute website. Includes statistical data sets of world education and literacy indicators, and selected data from the UNESCO Statistical Yearbook.
UN Member States On the Record
Provides direct access to official documents reflecting the views of United Nations Member States by bringing together in one place documents available elsewhere.

Datasets/Microdata

Datasets are collections of numeric data that can be analyzed using specialized software such as Stata, SPSS, or R.

Put some thought into choosing your search terms and consider synonyms or alternative terms. AND, OR, and NOT can be used to combine or exclude search terms. Check the subject terms listed on your results for additional words to search.

Most databases have a help link. The help screens will usually explain how to best search for variables.

Migration & Remittances Data - World Bank
Includes fact book that provides a snapshot of migration and remittances for all countries, regions and income groups of the world, annual remittances data, bilateral migration matrix, and some downloadable datasets.
Pew Hispanic Center
A non-partisan research organization to improve understanding of the U.S. Hispanic population and to chronicle Latinos' growing impact on the United States. Downloadable datasets include the 2004 National Survey of Latinos: Politics and Civic Participation, the 2004 National Survey of Latinos: Education, and the 2002 National Survey of Latinos
Mexican Migration Project
Downloadable data files on the characteristics and behavior of documented and undocumented Mexican migrants to the United States. Based at Princeton.
Latin American Migration Project
Data on migration flows originating in Latin American countries. Based at Princeton.

Eurobarometer
Public opinion polls conducted by the European Commission. Surveys and studies address major topics concerning European citizenship: enlargement, social situation, health, culture, information technology, environment, the Euro, defence, etc.

Immigration Statistics: International

Origins and Destinations of the World's Migrants, from 1990-2015
The figures in this interactive map refer to the total number (or cumulative "stocks") of migrants living around the world as of 1990, 2000, 2010, or 2013. Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan organization that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, and media analysis.
International Organization for Migration - IOM
A leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration that works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental, partners, such as the United Nations. Their world migration interactive map allows the user to access information about migrants leaving or entering a country. Access to UN documents and international migration laws.
International Migration Statistics-Migration Policy Institute
Free website of the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), an independent, nonpartisan think tank in Washington, DC that provides analysis and evaluation of migration and refugee policies at local, national, and international levels. Explore their pages on international migration, which include tables, graphs, and maps of a number of relevant characteristics.
International Migration - United Nations
International migration reports, charts, and graphs from the United Nations.
United Nations Resolutions and Reports Related to Migration
Provided by IOM.
International Migration and Development - The World Bank
Journal articles, working papers, books, data, and links to additional information sources. From the World Bank.
International Migration - OECD
Free website of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.