Migration Policy Institute: Central American Immigrants in the United States

By Nicole Ward and Jeanne Batalova

Central Americans comprise less than one-tenth of the overall U.S. foreign-born population. But their numbers have grown tenfold since 1980, amid economic challenges, political crises, and natural disasters in their region.

Compared to other immigrants, Central Americans are more likely to be in the labor force and obtain permanent residence through family reunification, and less likely to have full English proficiency.

KJ.