US immigrant figures rise to over 35 million

THE number of immigrants living in the United States has risen to over 35 million, or 12.4% of the population from 11.1% five years ago, according to figures released by the US Census Bureau yesterday.

Of the total, nearly 17 million are of Hispanic descent, the bureau said of the figures complied for 2005, reflecting the heavy flow of people seeking work from Mexico and other South American countries.

California had the most people born outside of the United States at 27.2% of its population.