Immigration has been a defining characteristic of the United States for centuries, shaping its culture, economy, and politics. In the past 100 years, the patterns of immigration to the US have changed significantly, with Mexico emerging as one of the largest sources of immigrants.

In the early 20th century, European immigrants were the largest group arriving in the US. They came primarily from countries like Italy, Ireland, and Poland in search of economic opportunities and political stability. This trend continued until the 1960s, when changes in immigration policies led to a diversification of the immigrant population.

Since the 1960s, immigration from Latin America, particularly Mexico, has increased dramatically. In the 1980s and 1990s, economic and political instability in Mexico and other Central American countries led to a surge in immigration to the US. Many Mexican immigrants came to the US in search of work, and they often found jobs in industries such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality.

Today, Mexican immigrants are the largest foreign-born population in the US, accounting for over 25% of the total foreign-born population. The number of Mexican immigrants has increased significantly over the past few decades, although the rate of increase has slowed in recent years due to changes in US immigration policies and improved economic conditions in Mexico.

The increase in Mexican immigration has been a source of controversy in the US, with some arguing that immigrants from Mexico and other countries are a drain on the economy and a threat to national security. However, others point out that immigrants make significant contributions to the US economy and society, and that they are an essential part of the country’s history and culture.

Overall, immigration to the US has been a complex and dynamic phenomenon over the past 100 years, reflecting changes in global economic and political conditions as well as shifts in US immigration policies. While the patterns of immigration have changed over time, the US remains a destination of choice for people around the world seeking a better life.