This brief article is a continuation of the overview we did of the most welcoming countries for immigrants. If you want to learn more about the concerns related to legal and illegal immigration, read Top 30 Countries With The Most Immigrants.
10. Spain
Number Of Residents Born In Another Country: 6.8 million
Spain’s foreign-born population reached approximately 6.8 million by the 2020s. Like Italy, Spain was also originally a source of emigrants but has now become an attractive destination for immigrants coming from Asian countries.
9. Australia
Number Of Residents Born In Another Country: 7.7 million
Australia’s population includes over 7.7 million foreign-born individuals, two-thirds of whom are the country’s permanent residents. Policies like the points-based system in the country actively encourage skilled immigration. Generally, Australia has a favorable view of immigrants, given its history as a nation built on immigration. However, offshore detention centers for asylum-seekers have sparked controversy.
8. Canada
Number Of Residents Born In Another Country: 8 million
Canada’s foreign-born population is 8 million and is known globally for its welcoming stance on immigrants. The country’s immigration policy seeks to bolster its workforce and address demographic challenges. Even though there are occasional debates on the levels and sources of immigration, the high rate of naturalized citizenship shows Canada’s commitment to inclusivity.
7. France
Number Of Residents Born In Another Country: 8.5 million
Immigration in France has made its foreign-born population 8.5 million as of current. Major urban centers like Paris celebrate their diverse heritages where immigrants often feel included. Yet, the nation has navigated complex debates around integration, secularism, and cultural identity in recent years.
6. United Arab Emirates
Number Of Residents Born In Another Country: 8.7 million
The United Arab Emirates’ foreign-born residents comprise 88.1% of the total population. Most immigrants are from South Asia that come to UAE to seek job opportunities. Although the UAE largely depends on these expatriates for its workforce, they don’t have a pathway to citizenship, and their stay in the country is temporary.
5. United Kingdom
Number Of Residents Born In Another Country: 9.4 million
The UK’s immigrant population is about 9.4 million, comprising 13.8% of its total population. The country’s response to immigration is diverse because while many are welcomed, the Brexit vote underlined concerns about unchecked EU immigration. The UK, however, offers clear routes to citizenship for eligible immigrants.
4. Russia
Number Of Residents Born In Another Country: 11.6 million
Russia’s immigrant population is approximately 11.6 million (around 8% of its total population). Immigrants largely come from Central Asian countries and former Soviet states. Central Asian migrants often face discrimination and limited rights.
3. Saudi Arabia
Number Of Residents Born In Another Country: 13.5 million
Over 13.5 million foreign-born individuals live in Saudi Arabia that come to the country for employment in the construction and domestic sectors. Notably, Saudi Arabia is not particularly accepting of immigrants as there’s no clear route to citizenship. Moreover, many reports highlight the exploitative labor conditions faced by these migrants.
2. Germany
Number Of Residents Born In Another Country: 15.8 million
Germany’s foreign-born population hovers around 15.8 million, about 18.8% of its total populace. The country saw an influx in 2015 due to the Syrian refugee crisis. Also, the country is generally accepting of immigrants, especially skilled workers.
1. United States
Number Of Residents Born In Another Country: 50.6 million
The United States, since its inception, has been a magnet for immigrants in search of a better quality of life. Over the years, the number of immigrants and foreign-born residents has grown significantly. Critics argue that unauthorized immigrants, in particular, place undue pressure on social welfare benefits like health care and public education. High immigration rates, both legal and unauthorized, contribute to increased demand for housing and inflate real estate prices. Unauthorized immigration also raises concerns about national security, public safety, and the rule of law.
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