Contributions of African Immigrants

In preparation for my July 27, 2016 presentation in Philadelphia at the United People for African Congress (UPAC), I would like to provide a few facts and figures to highlight the contributions that African immigrants currently play in United States. The strength of America’s economy and civil society depends on its New Americans. It is vital to point out the extent to which immigrants from Africa and their children are bringing new strength and vigor to the country.

According to the most recent U.S. Bureau of the Census data there are approximately 44 million foreign born in the US, totaling somewhere between 13% and 14% of the nation’s population of 314 million. Among the foreign born there are 1.8 million Africans – 5.3% who were born in Africa of from U.S. parents, 46.8% naturalized citizens and 47.9% are non-citizens.