Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.
The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Immigration Statistics has released the 2009 Yearbook of Immigration Statistics (pdf). The Yearbook provides statistical data on U.S. immigration, specifically:
- Nonimmigrant Admissions: The number of foreign nationals admitted to the United States on a temporary basis, e.g., as tourists, students, business visitors, or temporary workers. Notably, the number of admissions based on H-1B status (temporary workers in specialty occupations) has decreased from a peak of 461,730 in 2007, down to 409,619 in 2008 and 339,243 in 2009.
- Legal Permanent Residents: The number of foreign nationals who became legal permanent residents.
- Refugees and Asylees: The number of asylum or refugee status applicants.
- Naturalization: How many foreign nationals became naturalized U.S. citizens.
- Enforcement Actions: What enforcement actions were taken by DHS, including apprehension of illegal aliens, removals and prosecutions.