Only one state has seen a drop in its foreign-born population over a 10-year period, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The report, released on April 9, comes amid recent rises in migrant arrivals at the U.S.-Mexico border. In Congress, Democrats have pushed for humanitarian-focused approaches to immigration issues, and Republicans have emphasized stronger border protection policies, with little common ground on the issue.
The Newsweek map below illustrates the stark difference between the southern-border state of New Mexico and the others, which have all seen some increase in foreign-born residents, including Hawaii. The numeric change is based on five-year estimates taken between 2008-2012 and 2018-2022.
The U.S. Census Bureau defines “foreign-born” as “people who were not U.S. citizens at birth, including naturalized U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (immigrants), temporary migrants (such as foreign students), humanitarian migrants (such as refugees and asylees), and unauthorized migrants.”
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that foreign-born residents make up 9.2 percent of New Mexico’s population, which is below the national average of 13.7 percent.
Newsweek spoke to Christopher A. Erickson, the director of New Mexico State University’s Center for Border Economic Development, about the reasons behind the decrease in the state’s foreign-born population.
“The primary motivation for foreigners to immigrate is to find a good paying job,” he said. “New Mexico is a low-income state with relatively slow job growth. This makes it less appealing for foreigners.”
The annual employment growth between 2012 and 2022 was 6.8 percent on average, added Erickson. The state also ranks 44th for per capita disposable income, according to research by Statista.
Immigrants make up almost one-eighth of New Mexico’s labor force, according to the American Immigration Council, and the majority come from Mexico, the Philippines and Germany.
Economic factors in the state known as the Land of Enchantment could change, however, and with them, New Mexico’s migration trends.
“As a border state, New Mexico is positioned to take advantage of deglobalization,” said Erickson.
Deglobalization is characterized by nation-states emphasizing local solutions and border controls rather than relying on global institutions, treaties, and free movement.
New Mexico could leverage its proximity to neighboring Mexico, promoting regional trade and diversifying its local economy. Both are priorities of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
“The tend toward near-shoring and reshoring should provide opportunities for growth over the next decade, especially in the southern part of the state,” according to Erickson.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
Companies investing in New Mexico include the Taiwan-based Hota Group, a manufacturer of auto parts, and the German antenna and telescope technology company mtex.
Governor Lujan Grisham also visited Australia in October for the Asia Pacific Hydrogen 2023 Summit, where she met with manufacturing companies interested in expanding in New Mexico.
“Our thriving business climate is attracting businesses the world over,” she said at the time. “These investments will bring higher-paying jobs, continued economic stability, and greater economic opportunity to New Mexicans.”
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.