Immigration
America's immigrant population is by far the world's largest in absolute terms.[412][413] In 2022, there were 87.7 million immigrants and U.S.-born children of immigrants in the United States, accounting for nearly 27% of the overall U.S. population.[414] In 2017, out of the U.S. foreign-born population, some 45% (20.7 million) were naturalized citizens, 27% (12.3 million) were lawful permanent residents, 6% (2.2 million) were temporary lawful residents, and 23% (10.5 million) were unauthorized immigrants.[415] In 2019, the top countries of origin for immigrants were Mexico (24% of immigrants), India (6%), China (5%), the Philippines (4.5%), and El Salvador (3%).[416] In fiscal year 2022, over one million immigrants (most of whom entered through family reunification) were granted legal residence.[417] In fiscal year 2024 alone, according to the Migration Policy Institute, the United States resettled 100,034 refugees, which "re-cements the United States' role as the top global resettlement destination, far surpassing other major resettlement countries in Europe and Canada".[418]
Religion
The First Amendment guarantees the free exercise of religion in the country and forbids Congress from passing laws respecting its establishment.[419][420] Religious practice is widespread, among the most diverse in the world,[421] and profoundly vibrant.[422] The country has the world's largest Christian population.[423] Other notable faiths include Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, many New Age movements, and Native American religions.[424] Religious practice varies significantly by region.[425] "Ceremonial deism" is common in American culture.[426]
The overwhelming majority of Americans believe in a higher power or spiritual force, engage in spiritual practices such as prayer, and consider themselves religious or spiritual.[427][428] In the "Bible Belt", located within the Southern United States, evangelical Protestantism plays a significant role culturally, whereas New England and the Western United States tend to be more secular.[425] Mormonism—a Restorationist movement, whose members migrated westward from Missouri and Illinois under the leadership of Brigham Young in 1847 after the assassination of Joseph Smith[429]—remains the predominant religion in Utah to this day.[430]