What US state has the least immigrants?

Asked by: Elda Ullrich  |  Last update: July 18, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (48 votes)

West Virginia has both the lowest total number and the lowest percentage of foreign-born residents in the United States, with immigrants making up about 2% of its population.

What state has the fewest immigrants?

West Virginia has both the smallest total number and the lowest percentage of foreign-born residents in the United States, with immigrants making up just 1.8% to 2.1% of its population.

Which 5 states have the most undocumented immigrants?

Based on 2023 data from the Pew Research Center, the five states with the highest number of undocumented immigrants are California, Texas, Florida, New York, and New Jersey, with Illinois also having a significant population. These states have consistently hosted the largest unauthorized populations, often driven by established networks and economic opportunities.

Which state has the highest immigrants in the USA?

California is home to the most immigrants, and Miami-Dade County, Florida, has the highest percentage of immigrants of any county nationwide. In 2023, the US was home to an estimated 335 million people, 13.8% of whom were immigrants.

What state has the biggest immigration problem?

California and Texas are among the six states where the majority of the nation's record 14 million unauthorized immigrants live, though more are moving to other states, a new Pew study finds.

States with the Highest Number of ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

15 related questions found

What states have the most deported immigrants?

Many of the states with large numbers of pending deportation cases also have high rates of deportation cases relative to their population. The following states are in the top 10 on both rankings: Texas, New York, Florida, New Jersey, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Maryland.

What is the #1 state people are leaving?

As of early 2026, California and New Jersey are frequently cited as the top states people are leaving. California leads in total volume of outbound residents (over 239,000 in 2024), driven by high housing costs, while New Jersey often ranks highest for the percentage of moves that are outbound.

What nationality is Ice deporting the most?

Mexican nationals are, by a large margin, the nationality ICE deports the most, continuing a decades-long trend. As of mid-2025, Mexicans represented the largest group of deportees, followed by nationals from Guatemala and Honduras. Together with El Salvador, these countries consistently make up the vast majority of all removals.

Which US state is most welcoming to immigrants?

Based on 2025–2026 data, the most immigrant-friendly states in the USA are generally California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Washington, and Massachusetts. These states prioritize inclusive policies, such as sanctuary status, access to driver’s licenses, and, in some cases, state-funded legal aid or health coverage for immigrants regardless of status.

Is Elon Musk an immigrant?

Elon Musk was an immigrant but became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2002.

Which state is safest for undocumented immigrants?

Immigration Enforcement by Location

California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington offer stronger protections, with laws limiting local law enforcement's involvement with ICE—great for those seeking lower risk options for travel.

What city in the US has the most illegal immigrants?

By far the biggest unauthorized immigrant populations in 2016 were in the New York (1.1 million) and Los Angeles metro areas (925,000). Both metros had unauthorized immigrant populations that exceeded the statewide total in every state except California and Texas. No other metro area approached a million.

How many people has Ice deported?

ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) removed over 442,000 individuals in the 2024–2025 period, and has continued an accelerated pace for fiscal year 2026. Nationwide, total federal removals by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) exceed 500,000 individuals annually.

What is the fastest declining state?

As of early 2026, Vermont is identified as the fastest-shrinking state by percentage, with a population decrease of 0.29% according to recent Census estimates. However, New York has sustained the highest overall, long-term numeric population loss since 2020, driven by high living costs and residents moving out.

Are more Mexicans leaving the US than coming?

More Mexicans are leaving the United States than are arriving, according to an analysis from the Pew Research Center. Government data from both countries also shows that the flow of Mexican immigrants between the United States and Mexico is at its lowest since the 1990s.

What is the emptiest state in America?

Alaska is the emptiest state in America based on population density, with only about 1.3 people per square mile. While Wyoming has the lowest total population, Alaska's massive land area makes it the most sparsely populated. Other low-density states, often called part of the "Empty Belt," include Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

What state protects immigrants the most?

When averaged across all the parameters, two states had particularly strong and comprehensive laws protecting immigrants, and fell into the most protective category: Oregon and Illinois. Three other states also have fairly broad sanctuary statutes: California, New Jersey and Washington.

Are Americans leaving the U.S. in 2026?

Yes, Americans are leaving the U.S. in record-breaking numbers, with at least 180,000 citizens emigrating. Driven by inflation, cost-of-living concerns, and political polarization, this surge in departures has resulted in a rare net outward migration of the U.S. population—something not seen in decades.

Can ICE legally ask for ID?

Yes, ICE agents can legally ask for identification, but you have the right to remain silent and refuse to show documents in many situations. You generally do not have to answer questions about your birthplace or citizenship status. You should never show false documents or lie about your citizenship status.

What race has the most illegal immigrants?

Hispanic individuals represent the largest demographic group of unauthorized immigrants in the United States, accounting for approximately three-quarters of the nation's undocumented population. Within this group, individuals from Mexico make up the single largest country-of-origin population, followed by nationals from several Central American and Asian countries.

Can I sue ICE for detaining me as a citizen?

Yes, as a U.S. citizen wrongfully detained by ICE, you can sue for damages. Lawsuits can allege unlawful detention, false imprisonment, and violations of constitutional rights (e.g., Fourth Amendment unreasonable seizure). While federal agencies have immunity, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) allows for damages caused by wrongful acts of federal employees.

Do immigrants get more welfare than US citizens?

Based on 2026 data, immigrants in the US generally consume less welfare, per capita, than native-born Americans, with non-citizen immigrants consuming 53% less than native-born Americans. While immigrant households may have higher participation rates in some means-tested programs, they utilize fewer benefits overall, particularly in Social Security and Medicare.

What state is offering $10,000 to move there?

Tulsa, Oklahoma (Tulsa Remote): A Proven Model For Remote Worker Relocation. Tulsa has become one of the most visible examples of how to do this well. Through its Tulsa Remote program, the city offers around $10,000 to eligible remote workers, along with coworking access and built-in community integration.

What are the top 5 states people regret moving to?

5 States Where Retirees Regret Moving (And What Cost Them the Most)

  • Florida. Florida continues to be a popular place to move for retirees, but insurance costs are a common source of regret after the move. ...
  • Texas. ...
  • Louisiana. ...
  • California. ...
  • Nevada.

What is the #1 overpopulated state?

California is consistently ranked as the #1 most populous state in the US, with an estimated population of over 39 million residents as of 2026, comprising nearly 12% of the nation's total. It has held this top position since surpassing New York in the 1960s.