WASHINGTON (AP) — A new study suggests Asians are beginning to dominate immigration to the United States.
The expansive study by the Pew Research Center says that for the first time, the influx of Asians moving to the U.S. has surpassed that of Hispanics. Pew says that reflects a slowdown in illegal immigration while American employers increase their demand for high-skilled workers.
Their numbers have been boosted by increases in visas granted to specialized workers and wealthy investors as the U.S. economy becomes more technology driven.
Census data shows about 430,000 Asians, or 36 percent of all new immigrants, arrived in the U.S. in 2010.
The study says the tipping point likely occurred during 2009 as illegal immigrants crossing the border from Mexico sharply declined due to increased enforcement and a dwindling supply of low-wage work. Many Mexicans already in the U.S. have also been heading back.
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