Final answer:
The question pertains to the U.S. immigration patterns and statistics including the fact that 12.4% of U.S. residents are foreign-born as per the 2010 Census. It touches on the growth in migration numbers, the legal status of immigrants, and the public opinion on immigration policies. The diversity in the U.S. is underscored by the varying demographics of immigrants, with a sizeable number from Latin America, Asia, and other regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Changes in U.S. Immigration Patterns and Attitudes
The United States has long been a destination for immigrants from around the world, and this trend has continued into the 21st century. According to the 2010 US Census, 37,342,870 people, or 12.4% of all residents, were foreign born.
This reflects a broader trend where the number of migrants in the U.S. has grown, with a significant portion originating from Latin America and the Caribbean, though more recently, there has been an increase in immigrants from Asian countries.
In terms of legality, as of 2017, there were about 10.5 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., and the nation's immigration policies continue to be a topic of debate. Nonetheless, public opinion surveys show a majority in favor of providing a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants under certain conditions. Geographically, most immigrants in the U.S. live in states such as Texas, Florida, and California.
It is worth noting that while the U.S. experiences significant immigration, its foreign-born population percentage is comparable to that of other immigration hubs like Canada. The ethnic diversity within the United States is also reflected in census data, with Hispanics, African Americans, Asians, and other minority groups forming a substantial part of the population.