Census data show big decline in migration to U.S.

WASHINGTON – The number of immigrants coming to the United States slowed substantially in 2007, with the nation’s foreign-born population growing by only 511,000, compared with about a million a year since 2000, according to Census figures released Tuesday. In 14 states, the foreign-born population declined, including in such traditional immigrant gateways as New Jersey and Illinois and such newer destinations as Nebraska, South Dakota and Kansas.

Demographers said the data, which were part of a diverse release of social, economic and housing characteristics, reflected the economic slowdown.

“I think this shows that immigrants are keeping an eye on the economy when they make their decision on whether to come or where to live in the United States,” said William H. Frey, a researcher with the Brookings Institution who analyzed the numbers. “When the economy appears to be in decline – particularly for the kind of construction, retail and service jobs that immigrants are inclined to take – they are less attracted to us.”

Although the slowdown coincided with a step up in federal enforcement actions against illegal immigrants and their employers, Frey cautioned against drawing too close a connection. He noted that the influx of Asian and African immigrants slowed by more than 60 percent, compared with 36 percent for Hispanic immigrants, who are statistically more likely to be in the country illegally.

Even with the slowdown, the number of foreign-born people in the United States reached a high of 38.1 million in 2007, accounting for 12.6 percent of the population.