Half of California's new residents were immigrants in 2023
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Nearly half of California's new residents last year came from foreign countries, new Census migration data shows.
Why it matters: Immigration is a pressing and divisive political issue across the U.S., but there are massive gaps between the states in terms of how many new arrivals are actually settling there.
State of play: California saw the country's highest share of new residents from foreign countries in 2023 at 42%.
- Other states with large shares of immigrants were New Jersey (37%), New York (35%), Illinois (32%), Massachusetts (31%), Florida (31%) and Texas (30%).
By the numbers: About 11 million people or 27% of California's 2023 population was foreign-born, compared to about 14% nationally.
- That's about the same share of the state's population as 10 years ago.
The intrigue: While most of the state's immigrants are naturalized citizens, California has the largest population of undocumented immigrants in America.
- Yes, but: Unlike other states, that number decreased in recent years.
Zoom in: Internationally born-residents made up 23% of San Diego County's residents last year.
- About 60% were naturalized and 40% were non-citizens.
Between the lines: Not all non-citizens are undocumented, per UVA's Weldon Cooper Center.
- They can also be lawful permanent residents, students or workers on temporary visas and refugees.