Which category of immigrants to the United States is the largest?

The category of immigrants to the United States that is the largest is authorized immigrants. This group includes individuals who come to the U.S. through legal channels, such as family reunification, employment-based visas, and humanitarian pathways. Authorized immigrants typically hold special visas, green cards, or other legal immigration statuses that allow them to reside in the U.S. on a permanent or long-term basis. This status provides them with various rights and access to services, including those related to education and employment.

In contrast, while unauthorized immigrants are a significant portion of the population, they do not have legal status and face numerous challenges. Temporary workers come to the U.S. for specific job opportunities but do not represent the largest group overall. Refugees are also an important category, yet they account for a smaller proportion compared to the broader pool of authorized immigrants. Therefore, the significant legal pathways for immigration contribute to authorized immigrants being the largest category.