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Emigration, Immigration & Migration
A guide to library and online sources with a special focus on U.S. immigration
Featured Graphic: How Immigration to the U.S. Has Changed Over Time
Image credit: From Ireland to Germany to Italy to Mexico: How America's Source of Immigrants Has Changed in the States, 1850-2013. Interactive map. Pew Research Center.
Immigration Statistics - U. S.
- Historical Statistics of the U.S. (Cambridge) This link opens in a new windowHistorical statistics for the U.S. from colonial times through the 20th century, covering population, work and welfare, economic structure and performance, economic sectors, as well as governance and international relations. Introductory essays for each topic provide context and highlight key tables.
- Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new windowAn authoritative and comprehensive summary of U.S. social, political and economic data from Federal and State agencies as well as private organizations. All tables are available for download in PDF and Excel formats. Check original sources of data to explore more detailed information. Excellent introductory essay at beginning of each topic section. Updated annually.
Earlier editions (1970-current) accessible using drop down menu. Archived government editions (1878-2012) available free at U.S. Census Bureau and Cybercemetery sites. Tip Sheet.
- Measuring America: The Decennial Census 1790-2000An explanation of the Census, including individual questions asked.
- Homeland Security: Immigration Data and StatisticsImmigration statistics, report on removal of illegal immigrants, report on refugees and asylees, and non-immigrant admissions to the U. S.
- Yearbook of Immigration StatisticsFree government website from the Department of Homeland Security. Data on foreign nationals granted lawful residence in the U.S.
- Historical Census Statistics on the Foreign-Born Population of the United States: 1850-1990Free government website from the U.S. Census Bureau. Historical census data.
- U. S. Immigration Trends - Migration Policy InstituteFree website of the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), an independent, nonpartisan think tank in Washington, DC that provides analysis and evaluation of migration and refugee policies at local, national, and international levels. Their page on U.S. immigration includes tables and graphs of a number of relevant characteristics.
- Pew Research CenterNonpartisan research and statistics on a number of topics including immigration, social trends, U.S. politics, religion, the media, technology, and more.
- Net Migration Patterns for U. S. CountiesData based on U.S. Census data. Free website from the University of Wisconsin.
- Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC): ImmigrationA free website co-sponsored by Syracuse University and others to provide independent and nonpartisan information about U. S. Federal immigration enforcement.
Immigration Statistics - International
- Origins and Destinations of the World's Migrants, from 1990-2015The figures in this interactive map refer to the total number (or cumulative "stocks") of migrants living around the world as of 1990, 2000, 2010, or 2013. Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan organization that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, and media analysis.
- Refugee FlowAn interactive data visualization project that "examines one of the direct fundamental causes of the global refugee crisis, the collapse of order and stability in today's international landscape." Explores the locations and fatality counts of armed conflicts worldwide for the years 2010-2018, with the ability to filter by region and quarter in relation to total asylum applications. Integrates data from the UN and other sources.
- International Organization for Migration - IOMA leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration that works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental, partners, such as the United Nations. Their world migration interactive map allows the user to access information about migrants leaving or entering a country. Access to UN documents and international migration laws.
- International Migration Statistics-Migration Policy InstituteFree website of the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), an independent, nonpartisan think tank in Washington, DC that provides analysis and evaluation of migration and refugee policies at local, national, and international levels. Explore their pages on international migration, which include tables, graphs, and maps of a number of relevant characteristics.
- International Migration - United NationsInternational migration reports, charts, and graphs from the United Nations.
- International Migration - OECDFree website of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Other Sources for Statistical and U.S. Government Information Related to Immigration
- ProQuest Congressional This link opens in a new windowComprehensive full image coverage of U.S. Congressional publications 1789-present, Updated daily. Hearings (1824-present); Congressional Research Service Reports (CRS) (1916-present); House and Senate Documents/Reports (1817-present); Legislative Histories (1969-current); Bills & Laws (1776-present); Vote Reports (1987-present); Historical Maps & Images (1789-2007); Congressional Record (daily and bound versions) (1789-present); Regulations; Federal Register and Code of Federal Regulations; Presidential Executive Orders.
Member profiles, committee assignments, financial disclosure statements and voting records. - Homeland Security Digital Library This link opens in a new windowFull text access to documents related to national security, emergency preparedness, terrorism, border security and related topics from federal, state, tribal, and local government agencies, professional organizations, think tanks, academic institutions, and international governing bodies. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Dudley Knox Library of the Naval Postgraduate School.
- Statistical Insight (ProQuest) This link opens in a new windowStatistical information by U.S. Federal and State agencies, international intergovernmental organizations, professional, trade and independent research organizations, commercial publishers and universities. Abstracts/indexing from 1973 with significant full-text online 1995 to present. Additional older content is available on microfiche using ASI, SRI or IIS number in the record.
Temporary Visas and Immigration to the U.S.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration ServicesInformation on the immigration and citizenship process, applying for a green card, working in the U. S., etc.
- Visas - U. S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular AffairsInformation on obtaining a work, study, temporary, or immigrant visa.
- Temporary (Non-immigrant) WorkersIn order for you to come to the United States lawfully as a non-immigrant to work temporarily in the United States your prospective employer must generally file a non-immigrant petition on your behalf.
- H-2A Temporary Agricultural WorkersThe H-2A program allows U. S. employers or U.S. agents who meet specific regulatory requirements to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricultural jobs.
- Visa Statistics - U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular AffairsThe Report of the Visa Office is an annual report providing statistical information on immigrant and non-immigrant visa issuances by consular offices.