U.S. Immigration Statistics

After conducting a lot of research on this subject we came across some statistics that we felt visitors to our website would also find interesting.

Each year, millions of foreign nationals are admitted into the United States. Those who are admitted temporarily and for a specific purpose are referred to as nonimmigrants. Most nonimmigrants enter as tourists or business travelers on short-term trips while others, such as students, temporary workers, and foreign diplomats, stay for longer periods of time, ranging from a few months to several years. The Office of Immigration Statistics Annual Flow Report examines the number and characteristics of nonimmigrant admissions in 2006 using data collected from the Arrival/Departure Record, Form I-94, of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The I-94 form is required for entry into the United States for nonimmigrants from all countries other than Canada and Mexico. In 2006, there were 33.7 million I-94 admissions and 141 million admissions where an I-94 Form was not required. The latter are represented primarily by Canadians who travel to the United States as tourists or on business and certain Mexicans who have a nonresident alien Border Crossing card, commonly known as a laser visa or a multiple- entry nonimmigrant visa.

Of the 33.7 million I-94 admissions, the majority (89 percent) were short-term visits, either for pleasure (74 percent) or for business (15 percent). One-half of all arrivals were by citizens of just four countries: Mexico (18 percent), the United Kingdom (15 percent), Japan (13 percent), and Germany (5.1 percent). Over half of all nonimmigrants reported California (17 percent), Florida (15 percent), New York (13 percent), or Texas (7.3 percent) as their state of destination.

Defining the term "Non-Immigrant"

A nonimmigrant is a foreign national seeking to enter the United States temporarily for a specific purpose. Nonimmigrants are admitted for a temporary period of time and, once in the country, are restricted to activities related to the purpose for which their visa was issued. They may have more than one type of nonimmigrant visa but are admitted in only one status.

Nonimmigrant Admissions: Fiscal Years 2002 to 2006

Nonimmigrant Admissions (I-94 Only) by Number of Arrivals:

Fiscal Year 2006

Nonimmigrant Admissions (I-94 Only) by Country of Citizenship:

Fiscal Year 2006

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