There are millions of people who call Florida home. These people come from many different backgrounds and currently live in Florida for many different reasons. Some were born here, some came from another state for a job or to go to school. Some came to be closer to family. Many others also came from other countries to live in Florida. There are many immigrants who make up a large portion of the population.
In 2015, there were a total of 20,271,272 people living in Florida. Out of that number 16,185,032 were born in the U.S. and 4,086,240 were born in a foreign country, which is approximately 20 percent of the total population. The number of foreign born individuals living in Florida in 2015 is almost twice as many as those in 2000.
The number of the immigrants who were born in foreign countries in 2015 who were of Latino origin, accounted for approximately 57 percent of all the immigrants in Florida. Out of the total amount of foreign born people living in Florida, about 54 percent had gained citizenship and 46 percent were noncitizens, which includes anyone with Green Cards, work and school visas, refugees and others here legally and illegally.
Given its size and coastal access, Florida has many immigrants living in it. Many of these people already have citizenship, but many others do not. Not everyone wants citizenship due to the fact that they have temporary visas and will return to their home country, but there are also many permanent residents as well. These people may wish to gain citizenship and enjoy its full benefits.
Florida will always have many immigrants living in the state. They have different legal and illegal status though. Many may also wish to have citizenship, but may not know how to obtain it. It can be a long and confusing process, which may keep many people from trying as well. Attorneys understand the process, though, and may be able to guide one to U.S. citizenship.
Source: Migration Policy Institute, “Florida – Demographics & Social” accessed Aug. 14, 2017
