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.

Some cities in California had more than a third of their population foreign-born.

Some states not traditionally associated with large immigrant populations had more than one out of 10 people born outside the United States. Massachusetts had 14.4% born elsewhere; Rhode Island 12.6%; Washington state 12.2%; and Maryland 11.7%.

Immigration and border security have become divisive issues in the United States. Congressional conservatives want tighter enforcement of northern and southern borders, while others, including President George W Bush, back legislation that would put most of the estimated 11 to 12 million immigrants in the country illegally on a path to US citizenship. The change would affect thousands of Irish citizens who are currently living and working illegally in the US.