It probably won’t come as a surprise to many that Mexico is the largest source of immigrants living in Georgia. But what about a century ago? In 1910, that distinction went to Germany, according to report released this week by the Pew Research Center.

That same year, Germany was the top country of birth for U.S. immigrants. German natives accounted for 18 percent of all immigrants – or 2.5 million – in the U.S. They also represented the biggest immigrant group in Georgia and 16 other states plus the District of Columbia.

At the time, Mexico accounted for the most immigrants in just three states: Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Now it is the source of most immigrants for most states. Mexico is the birthplace of 29 percent – or 11.7 million – of all immigrants in the U.S.

The Pew report also shows a shift in immigration over the last century. In 1910, 15 percent of the U.S. population was foreign-born. That number dropped to 13 percent in 2010.

About the Author

Keep Reading

In addition to being a political and religious leader, Bishop Reginald Jackson also served as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Morris Brown College. (Ben Gray/AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray

Featured

Atlanta art and antiques appraiser and auctioneer Allan Baitcher (right) takes bids during a 2020 auction. Baitcher and his company, Peachtree Antiques, are being sued by a Florida multimillionaire who says he paid them $20 million for fakes. (AJC 2020)

Credit: Phil Skinner / Staff