The Immigration Surge. The nation's foreign- born or immigrant population (legal and illegal) reached a record high of over 38 million people in 2008 (see Figure 9-7). Immigrants now account for over 12 percent of the population. Earlier in the twentieth century, at the peak of the last great surge in immigration, there were fewer immigrants, although they accounted for almost 15 percent of the population.
The recession beginning in 2008 appears to have reduced the flow of immigration somewhat.
A weak job market discourages immigration. It has also increased the numbers of immigrants returning to their home countries.