Recent data reveals significant shifts in immigration patterns across the United States, indicating that states like Florida and Utah are emerging as major destinations for new arrivals, while California is losing its long-held appeal.
According to information obtained by The Associated Press from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), nearly 2.5 million people crossed the border illegally or through a legal appointment app called CBP One between May 12, 2023, and January 18, 2025.
The figures show an unprecedented increase in immigrants during a time of significant political change, including the end of COVID-19 restrictions on asylum under President Joe Biden, followed by President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the border.
The data highlights a decades-long trend of migration away from California toward other states that offer flourishing job markets.
As the makeup of immigrants has diversified with arrivals from over 100 countries, states like Florida have become increasingly appealing. A notable influx of migrants from Venezuela and nearby South American nations has led to well-established communities, particularly in Florida.
Miami leads the nation in per capita immigration, boasting 2,191 arrivals per 100,000 residents. It is followed closely by Fort Myers with 1,782, Salt Lake City with 1,685, Denver with 1,673, and New York with 1,542 immigrants per capita.
In addition, several metropolitan areas across the United States recorded at least 1,000 arrivals per 100,000 residents. These include Orlando, Florida (1,499); Austin, Texas (1,453); Dallas-Fort Worth (1,412); and others, indicating a broadening scope of immigrant destinations.
Interestingly, no California metropolitan area reached the threshold of 1,000 arrivals per 100,000 residents, although San Jose came close. Los Angeles, often seen as a primary destination for immigrants, ranked 22nd, with San Francisco following at 24th.
The data also showcases Florida’s prominence, with four cities in the top 20 for per capita immigrant arrivals, including Orlando and Tampa at the 10th and 17th positions, respectively.
New York City, the largest metropolitan area in the country, had over 300,650 immigrant arrivals, more than double any other region, while only three other areas—Miami, Dallas, and Houston—recorded more than 100,000 newcomers.
On a state level, Florida tops the list with 1,271 immigrant arrivals for every 100,000 residents, followed by New York with 1,216 and Texas with 1,104.
Other states that surpassed the 1,000 arrivals per 100,000 residents mark include Colorado, New Jersey, and Utah, showcasing a shifting landscape in migration preferences.
California, once synonymous with high immigration rates, now ranks 13th with 644 arrivals per 100,000 residents, trailing behind states like Georgia, Tennessee, and Nevada.
In terms of raw numbers, Texas leads significantly with 336,620 arrivals, followed by Florida at 287,340 and California at 251,130. Other states, while showing growth, fell below the 100,000 mark for arrivals.
Migratory patterns have climbed steadily, particularly under the Biden administration, which has seen millions released at the border. In months prior to Donald Trump’s recent policies imposing strict asylum restrictions, the number of illegal crossings and releases into the U.S. had peaked significantly.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, these immigration trends will likely impact how states allocate resources and respond to the changing demographics of their populations.
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