DHS Announces Legal Immigration Figures For FY 2002

The Department of Homeland Security Department recently announced the legal immigration figures for the 2002 fiscal year.

The BCIS stated that fewer foreign immigrants came to the United States with visas issued abroad in 2002 than in 2001.

During the October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002 fiscal year, a total of 1,063,732 people legally immigrated to the United States. Approximately 384,427 received immigrant visas from the Department of State abroad, and the remaining 679,305 received adjustment of status by the BCIS.

Sixty five percent of the one million immigrants settled into six states: California, New York, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, and Illinois.

Forty percent of the immigrants came from five countries: Mexico, India, The People's Republic of China, Philippines, and Vietnam.

The number of legal immigrants to the United States dropped in 2002, as the Department of State issued 26,632 fewer immigrant visas than in 2001. The number of immigrants who became permanent residents increased, however, by 26,046.