According to data released by the American Immigration Council, immigrants have played a fundamental role in the population growth of the United States, particularly in its largest metropolitan areas.
Between 2018 and 2023, immigrants were responsible for an impressive 42.1% of population growth in the 100 largest metro areas across the country.
Metro regions such as Seattle, Scranton, and New York witnessed overwhelming contributions from their immigrant populations, with figures reaching as high as 91.7%, 83.7%, and 82.1% respectively.
This influx of new residents has also meant that, in 2023, at least one in every six residents in these metro areas was an immigrant, reflecting their vital role in reshaping local demographics and bolstering the workforce in essential industries.
Furthermore, immigrants are proving to be stabilizing forces in areas experiencing population decline.
From 2018 to 2023, one-fifth of the top 100 metro areas saw a drop in their U.S.-born population.
Notably, among these areas, a staggering 85% experienced increases in their immigrant populations.
In Baltimore, for example, a 19.4% rise in the immigrant population countered a total population decline, helping the city maintain a 1.1% growth overall.
Similarly, Detroit and Syracuse also saw immigrants offsetting losses in the U.S.-born demographic.
Interestingly, certain metro areas exhibited remarkable growth rates in their immigrant populations, with Lakeland, Florida leading the way at a striking 57.6%.
Other regions like Baton Rouge, Knoxville, Raleigh, and Indianapolis also reported significant increases, suggesting that immigrants not only contribute to established areas but are also vital in less populated locales.
In terms of workforce contributions, immigrants are a major part of the working-age population.
In 2023, 76.9% of immigrants were aged between 16 and 64, compared to just 61.4% of U.S.-born residents.
As the number of Americans over the age of 65 is projected to soar to 80 million by 2040, the role of immigrants in filling job vacancies becomes even more crucial.
For instance, registered nurses are in high demand, with a projected shortage of approximately 143,200 by 2037.
Currently, immigrants make up 20.7% of nurses in the largest metro areas, with that number being even higher in some locales where one-third of health aid professionals are immigrants.
Beyond healthcare, immigrants are essential in sustaining local economies.
In 2023, they accounted for 22% of the labor force in the top 100 metro regions despite only representing 18.1% of the overall population, showcasing their high employment rates at an impressive 96.1%.
Their financial contributions are noteworthy as well; immigrant-led households contributed over $577.4 billion in taxes, with broken down figures showing $373.1 billion at the federal level and $204.3 billion coming from state and local taxes.
This contribution culminates in a spending power estimated at $1.5 trillion, which fuels local businesses and services throughout these areas.
Entrepreneurship is another vital area where immigrants have a significant impact.
In 2023, they represented 29.8% of business owners in the top metro areas, generating a total of $98.2 billion in business income.
Regions like McAllen, Texas, Miami, and San Jose saw immigrant entrepreneurs make up more than half of all business owners, driving economic growth from the ground up.
Moreover, immigrants are fundamental to maintaining the U.S.’s competitive edge in innovation and technology.
A staggering 23.6% of workers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are immigrants, with the figures reaching a significant 67.4% in San Jose and 49.7% in San Francisco.
While the local impacts of immigrants vary by region, one thing remains constant—they play an increasingly vital role in U.S. metro areas.
As federal policies continue to evolve, it has become imperative to recognize and support the invaluable contributions of immigrants within our cities and communities.
image source from：https://immigrationimpact.com/2025/06/12/how-is-immigration-shaping-us-cities/
