Work Is the Top Reason People Immigrate to the U.S., New Data Shows

Nearly half of recent immigrants say they moved to the U.S. for job opportunities, making work the top reason people immigrate today. A new Boundless report breaks down the most common motivations behind U.S. immigration, from economic opportunity and education to safety and family connections.

Here are the key findings:

1. At the heart of immigration decisions is the push-pull dynamic. Push factors like violence, poverty, and political instability compel people to leave, while pull factors such as job opportunities, education, family connections, and safety draw them to the U.S.
2. Most people immigrate to the U.S. for at least one of the following reasons:
   • Work: Nearly half of all recent immigrants moved for economic opportunity. Immigrants are vital to the U.S. labor market, often filling critical roles in agriculture, construction, and healthcare. They’re also more likely than U.S.-born individuals to start businesses, fueling innovation and job creation.
   • School: With over 1 million international students currently enrolled, the U.S. remains a global leader in higher education. Many students also pursue long-term work opportunities and permanent residency after graduating.
   • Community: Family reunification remains a powerful and policy-supported reason for immigration. Nearly a quarter of immigrants come to join loved ones already in the U.S., helping them integrate and thrive through established support networks.
   • Safety: For many, immigration is a matter of survival. Refugees and asylum seekers flee persecution, conflict, or climate disasters. A majority report feeling significantly safer after relocating to the U.S.
3. Motivations also vary by region. Immigrants from Central America often prioritize safety and political freedom, while those from Asia and Europe frequently come for education. African and Oceanic immigrants are largely driven by work opportunities, while family ties are especially strong among South Asian and Latin American communities.

Ultimately, the reasons behind immigration are complex and deeply human. Understanding these drivers is important for creating policies that are not only effective, but also compassionate and aligned with America’s long-standing values as a nation of immigrants.

Read the report here.