Reports on America

Children in Immigrant Families Chart New Path

By the Annie E. Casey Foundation

February 1, 2009

AECF Children In Immigrant Families Chart New Path 2009 pdf 1

Read or Download the Report

19-page PDF

In This Report, You’ll Learn

  • Background information on the changing demographics in the U.S.
  • The political and social catalysts for these changes.
  • The implications for future generations of the growing numbers of children in immigrant families.
  • The key social and economic challenges facing children in immigrant families.

About This Report

Summary

This report looks at children of immigrants through a demographic lens, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s decennial census, population estimates, and the American Community Survey (ACS). The first part of the report focuses on the role of immigrant families in transforming the race/ethnic composition of the U.S. population. The second part of the report addresses the key social and economic challenges facing children in immigrant families. 

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

The majority of the 16 million children living in America’s immigrant families are U.S. citizens.

With the end of the U.S. baby boom in 1965 and the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act passed in the same year, the numbers of immigrants entering the U.S. have risen dramatically. These immigrants tend to have higher fertility rates than the U.S.-born population, creating a surge in the number of immigrant youth and a new demographic path. There are more than 16 million children living in America’s immigrant families, majority of who, are U.S. citizens, born in the U.S. to foreign-born parents. They are the fastest-growing segment of America’s youth.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations