Immigration in Georgia: Key Facts and Figures

ATLANTA - Georgia is home to a significant immigrant community, with 1,174,400 immigrants residing in the state in 2022, according to American Immigration Council. Nearly half are naturalized citizens, making up a vital part of the state’s economy and workforce.

Demographics and Origins

Foreign-born residents make up 10.8% of Georgia's population, with 6.5% of U.S.-born residents living with at least one immigrant parent. Of Georgia's nearly 1.2 million immigrants, 50.2% are women, 49.8% are men, and 78,400 are children. Immigrants in Georgia primarily originate from:

• Mexico (18.8%)
• India (9.1%)
• Jamaica (5%)
• Vietnam (4.2%)
• Korea (4.0%)

Economic Contributions

Immigrants comprise 14.3% of Georgia's labor force and significantly contribute to the state’s economy:

• Represent 20.7% of entrepreneurs, 21.4% of STEM workers, and 14.4% of nurses.
• Generated $3.4 billion in business income in 2022.
• Contributed $13.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2022, with a household income of $52.2 billion and a spending power of $38.6 billion.
• Over 300,000 immigrants own homes, and 26,000 are students at Georgia colleges and universities.

Top Industries Employing Immigrants

• Construction (25.6%)
• General services (20.9%)
• Manufacturing (17.6%)
• Professional services (17.6%)
• Agriculture (16.1%)

Top Occupations by Immigrant Share

• Manicurists and pedicurists (81%)
• Painters and paperhangers (47.2%)
• Maids and housekeepers (43%)
• Carpenters (41.6%)
• Construction laborers (39.9%)

Unauthorized Immigrants in Georgia

In 2022, 347,800 unauthorized immigrants resided in Georgia, comprising 29.7% of the state’s immigrant population and 3.2% of the total population.

• 263,300 U.S. citizens lived with at least one undocumented family member, including 168,300 children.
• 146,000 U.S.-citizen children had at least one unauthorized parent.

Legal Immigration

Georgia ranks 15th in the U.S. for lawful permanent residents, with 26,312 green card holders, and 12th in the nation for 674,432 nonimmigrants, including tourists, business travelers, students, and temporary workers.

Georgia Among Top States for Unauthorized Population

Georgia ranked 9th in 2022 for states with the largest unauthorized immigrant populations, tied with Washington at 340,000.

Top 10 States by Unauthorized Immigrant Population

1. California – 1,090,000
2. Texas – 2,600,000
3. Florida – 2,060,000
4. New York – 590,000
5. New Jersey – 490,000
6. Illinois – 420,000
7. New York – 410,000
8. North Carolina – 360,000
9. Georgia and Washington – 340,000
10. Arizona – 290,000

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Immigrants in Georgia play a significant role in the state’s culture, economy, and communities, despite challenges posed by immigration enforcement and systemic barriers.