Study shows Asian immigrant arrivals now surpass those of Hispanics

A new study has found that the US has seen a higher level of Asian immigration to the country than immigration of Hispanics; perhaps revealing a decrease in illegal immigration and increase in demand for highly-skilled workers.

The study by the Pew Research Center, an American think tank details what it describes as "the rise of Asian-Americans", a highly diverse and fast-growing group that makes up nearly 6 percent of the US population. In 2010, about 430,000 Asian immigrants arrived representing 36 percent of all new immigrants to the US compared to about 370,000 Hispanics about 31 percent of new immigrants to the US.

The Pew analysis believes that the increase in Asian immigrants likely began in 2009 as illegal immigrants crossing the border from Mexico sharply declined due to increased immigration enforcement and a decrease in job opportunities in the US due to the bad economy.

The study also found that roughly 6 in 10 international students studying at US colleges immigrate from Asian countries.

"Like immigrants throughout American history, the new arrivals from Asia are strivers," said Paul Taylor, executive vice president of the Pew Research Center and co-author of the report. "What's distinctive about them is their educational credentials. These aren't the tired, poor, huddled masses of Emma Lazarus's famous inscription on the Statue of Liberty. They are the highly skilled workforce of the 21st century."

According to the study more Asian immigrants than Hispanic immigrants obtain US visas and arrive legally; around 15 percent of Asian immigrants are in the US illegally, compared to 45 percent of Hispanic immigrants.

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