Immigration has consistently been among the top priority issues this election cycle for Republicans and Democrats alike. But as both parties show concern for this topic, and propose different solutions, a new report shows massive gaps between the states of the nation in terms of new arrivals.
A new report by Axios gathered recently published Census migration data, concluding that coastal states, border states and states with some of the country's biggest cities saw the biggest influx of migrants in 2023.
The data tracked all the people who moved from one state to another plus those who moved to the U.S. from abroad. Around 32.5 million, nearly a quarter of the total number, were immigrants or Americans who had been living in a foreign country a year ago. The census data attempts to capture all residents of the U.S., though undocumented immigrants might be less likely to participate, Axios explains.
California topped the list of states with the highest share of new residents from foreign countries, at 42%.
That figure should not come as a surprise, as California consistently ranks as among the top immigration hubs in the country. For instance, in 2022, most of the nation's 46.1 million immigrants lived in four states, with the top one spot going to The Golden State, which housed 10.4 million or 23% of the national total, according to a Pew Research Center report.
The new data report shows that other traditional immigration hubs continued attracting newcomers disproportionately. Other states with large shares of movers from foreign countries included New Jersey (37%), New York (35%), Illinois (31%), Florida (31%) and Texas (30%).
These states tend to also appear at the top of the list for housing immigrants. By comparison, in 2022, Texas housed 5.2 million of 11% of the nation's immigrants, Florida 4.8 million or 10% and New York 4.5 million or 10%.
The new Axios report comes just over a week before millions of voters across the country cast their ballots in the 2024 general election races, where immigration has been a top priority for candidates up and down the ballot.
In the presidential race, both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have taken a tough stance on immigration and the southern border, though they approach the issue with different tactics and rhetoric.
On one hand, the Republican candidate has promised to carry out the largest mass deportation operation in history. He has also escalated his narrative and threats as Election Day quickly approaches.
At a rally on Thursday in Arizona, the former President painted a dark picture of the U.S. under the Biden administration, comparing the country to "a garbage can for the world" because of illegal border crossings.
"First time I've ever said 'garbage can,'" Trump said. "But you know what? It's a very accurate description."
On the other hand, Harris plans to crack down further on asylum claims and extend restrictions put in place earlier this summer by the Biden administration on asylum access. She has also advocated for a bipartisan border bill that was killed in the Senate earlier this year that contained bringing additional border resources, such as adding U.S. Custom and Border Protection personnel.
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
