The US continues to uphold its reputation as a nation of immigrants. The country’s population growth is the highest amongst industrialised nations thanks to strong immigration figures, numbering about 1.25 million people per year.

So we wanted to know: where do all these immigrants go? What are the most popular US cities for immigration and why? 

Mexico-California border: Geography matters in US immigration

We consulted a few US immigration data sources to determine the five most popular cities chosen by immigrants. Here they are in descending order of immigrant populations. Total percentage figures include both first- and- second- generation immigrants.

1. Los Angeles, California: 33.7% immigrant population

Entertainment hub Los Angeles has more than Hollywood to boast about. It also hosts the most populous immigrant community in the US, most of them coming from Mexico and Latin America. First-generation Hispanic immigrants make up 20.1% of the Los Angeles population. The city may be a popular US immigration destination for its entrenched immigrant community, ideal climate and proximity to Latin America.

2. San Francisco, California: 25.9% immigration population

First-generation Asian immigrants outnumber first-gen Hispanics in the city famous for its clam chowder and towering golden bridge. This may be partly due to generations of Asian culture ingrained in the extensive Chinatown district. San Francisco may also be popular with immigrants for its diversity, innovative technology sector and agricultural jobs in neighbouring cities.

3. Riverside, California: 21.1% immigrant population

Approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles, Riverside makes popular stomping grounds for a high percentage of Hispanic settlers. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the US and declared a ‘best US place to live’ by Money magazine. Real estate prices are low relative to Los Angeles and the city’s citrus industry provides jobs for locals. Both factors may contribute to Riverside’s position as a US immigration hotspot.

4. Miami, Florida: 21% immigrant population

In 2008, Forbes magazine called Miami ‘America’s Cleanest City’ thanks to good year-round air quality, large green spaces, and clean streets, among other factors. Financial services company UBS ranked it the third richest US city. Miami has the highest percentage of first-generation immigrants in the US at 25.2%, most of them Hispanic. The city may be a popular destination due to economic opportunity, established immigrant communities, and proximity to the Caribbean.

5. San Diego, California: 18.7% immigrant population

It’s no surprise that San Diego claims a top-five position. Separated from Tijuana, Mexico by a manmade border, this surfer’s paradise has long made a convenient landing point for Mexicans and Guatemalans. The city has a more equal percentage of first and second generation immigrants than many other US cities, reflecting its enduring popularity as a settlement destination. 

What this tells us about US immigration

Our data sources draw some interesting conclusions about US immigration patterns.

First, immigrants are primarily drawn to major metropolitan areas – not surprising, as employment opportunities and the ability to make a living (and possibly send money back home) tops many settlers’ list of priorities.

Second, immigrants often seek out cities which have historically drawn migrants from the same regions, paving the way in terms of cultural acceptance and established cultural resources. California and Florida have been popular destinations for newcomers for generations, owing largely to their proximity to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Finally, it’s clear that California is the most popular US immigration hotspot, and that the largest immigrant groups – by far – are Latin Americans, followed by Asians.  California wins top spot for immigration partially thanks to a warm climate, a massive agricultural sector which provides jobs to low-skilled workers, and a strong Hispanic community established over generations.