Every three months, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) releases a report with up-to-date statistics on U.S. immigration. Prepared by the DHS’ Office of Immigration Statistics (OIS), this report provides recent figures on lawful permanent residents, refugee arrivals, and naturalizations, among others.
Lawful Permanent Residents
In their report, the OIS provides a breakdown of how many people obtained lawful permanent residency in each of the first three quarters of fiscal year 2017. As estimated by the OIS:
- First Quarter – 289,000 people obtained lawful permanent residency.
- Second Quarter – 273,000 people obtained lawful permanent residency.
- Third Quarter – 283,000 people obtained lawful permanent residency.
Including the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, approximately 67% of the lawful permanent residents received their status as family members of an existing U.S. citizen. Approximately 13% of received their status through employment.
In terms of countries of origin, approximately 40% of lawful permanent residents came from Mexico, the People’s Republic of China, India, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and the Philippines. These six countries were also the leading sources of lawful permanent residents for the fiscal year of 2016.
Refugee Arrivals
In their report, the OIS provides a breakdown of how many refugees arrived in each of the first three quarters of fiscal year 2017. As estimated by the OIS:
- First Quarter – 25,000 refugees arrived in the United States.
- Second Quarter – 13,000 refugees arrived in the United States.
- Third Quarter – 10,000 refugees arrived in the United States.
Up to and including the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, approximately 67% of refugees came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, and Burma. Incidentally, these five countries were also the leading sources of refugee arrivals in the United States for the fiscal year of 2016.
Naturalizations
In their report, the OIS provides a breakdown of how many people were naturalized as United State citizens in each of the first three quarters of fiscal year 2017. As estimated by the OIS:
- January to March – 106,000 persons naturalized;
- April to June – 159,000 persons naturalized; and,
- July to September – 207,000 persons naturalized.
Thus far in fiscal year 2017, approximately 40% of naturalizations came from Mexico, India, the Philippines, the People’s Republic of China, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. These six countries were also the leading sources of naturalizations in the United States for the fiscal year of 2016.
Do You Have Legal Questions for a Skilled Immigration Lawyer?
If you are dealing with any aspect of immigration, the process can seem overwhelming at times. There are layers and layers of complicated procedures and regulations. Even a minor error can result in processing delay or denial of claims. That is why it can be beneficial to consult with a skilled immigration attorney.
The Law Office of Raphael M. Scheetz in Cedar Rapids, Iowa has a proven and succesful history in dealing with immigration cases. If you have any questions about immigration, please feel free to reach out for assistance. The Law Office of Raphael M. Scheetz is available by calling 800-450-3140 (toll free) or 319-378-7416 (toll) or by completing an online form.
