Over 14% of the population of the United States is made up of immigrants. But in reality, the vast majority of Americans today are here because of relatives who immigrated from other countries sometime in the last few hundred years.
And while the distinctive American culture and spirit is the result of the blending of many different cultures and histories, the United States has for centuries had an up-and-down relationship with immigration.
Every era of immigration has been met with reductive ideas and resistance, whether the reaction was directed at the Chinese, the Irish, the Italians, or the Mexicans. Immigration laws have targeted specific groups at different times, fueling intolerance and preventing people from truly integrating into American society. However, over time, as laws changed to be more equal and immigrants found their footing, we have reaped the rewards of innovation in business, music, art, literature, dance, food, social norms, entertainment and sports—the all realizing a greater understanding and respect for different cultures, religions and ideas.
Stacker compiled a list of the largest sources of immigrants in Virginia using data from . Countries are ranked by the highest number of inhabitants according to the 2020 5-year estimates. Keep reading to learn more about the immigrant community in your state.
