Immigration Since September 11, 2001

In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, changes to visa policies, new security procedures, and measures to combat fraud contributed to a shift in the traditional composition of immigration flows. This fact sheet highlights recent data on immigration to the United States and offers key analysis of what these figures mean in terms of U.S. policy. 

The fact sheet finds that while the number of immigrants who obtained legal permanent residence remained relatively stable between 2001 and 2002, the number of nonimmigrant and refugee admissions dropped significantly. In terms of nonimmigrant admissions, the authors noted a 15 percent decline from 2001 to 2002.

More specifically, the fact sheet finds that the uncertain environment in the aftermath of September 11 may have contributed to the 37 percent drop in the number of nonimmigrants from Asian Islamic countries. Most notably, the authors find that refugee admissions in 2002 plummeted. Despite authorizing the admission of up to 70,000 refugees, the number of refugee admissions reached a 25-year low.