The flow of immigrants into the United States in recent years has nearly reached the same levels that the nation experienced during the first years of the 20th century, which marked a high point in U.S. history.

According to a new report from the Congressional Research Service, immigration to the U.S. has nearly matched the peak period of 1905-1915.

As of 2010, foreign-born residents comprised 12.9% of the U.S. population, which is close to the key year of 1910 when it was 14.8%.

But unlike the first few decades of the 20th century, when most immigrants came from Italy, Russia and Austria-Hungary, modern immigration has originated from many more countries, including Mexico, the Philippines, China, Vietnam, India, and South Korea.

Of the 1.1 million people who became legal permanent residents in FY2011, almost 65% did so on the basis of family ties. Another 16% were refugees or those seeking asylum.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

To Learn More:

U.S. Immigration Policy: Chart Book of Key Trends (by Ruth Ellen Wasem, Congressional Research Service) (pdf)

42% of Cancer Researchers in U.S. are Immigrants (by Noel Brinkerhoff, AllGov)