Mexico, India, China Lead as Top Sources of U.S. Immigrants in 2023 as Nigeria Ranks 26th
The United States remains the world’s leading destination for immigrants, with more than 46 million foreign-born residents recorded in 2023.
According to recent data, Mexico continues to lead by a wide margin as the largest source of immigrants in the country, followed by India and China — reflecting both historic migration ties and modern global mobility trends.
Mexico accounted for over 10.9 million immigrants living in the United States, maintaining its decades-long dominance in U.S. immigration figures. India came second with about 2.9 million, showing the growing presence of skilled professionals, students, and entrepreneurs from South Asia. China followed closely with 2.8 million immigrants, underscoring its steady rise in educational and business migration.
Other major contributors include the Philippines, El Salvador, Vietnam, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, South Korea, Colombia, and Honduras. Together, these countries make up the bulk of America’s foreign-born population, representing a mix of regional diversity that has long defined the U.S. immigration landscape.
Nigeria, ranking 26th with 476,008 immigrants, stands as the leading African source of migration to the U.S. The figure highlights the country’s growing diaspora, driven largely by educational pursuits, professional opportunities, and family reunification. Nigerian immigrants continue to make notable contributions in key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and academia.
Experts note that while Latin American nations still dominate the list due to proximity and historical ties, Asian countries have seen a sharp rise in recent years, reflecting global shifts toward skilled migration. Overall, the data reaffirms the United States’ enduring role as a land of opportunity, drawing people from across the world in search of education, employment, and a better life.
