Muslim immigration to the United States has been steadily rising since the 1990s, though it saw a decline after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
Islam is widely regarded as one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. Roughly 80 million international migrants are Muslim, representing 29% of all people living outside their country of birth. By comparison, Muslims constituted about 25% of the world’s total population in 2020, making Muslim identity slightly more common among migrants than in the overall population, according to a Pew Research Centre report titled ‘Muslim migrants around the world.’
Muslim immigration to the United States has been steadily rising since the 1990s, though it saw a decline after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. According to a Pew Research Center report, the number of Muslim immigrants grew from approximately 50,000 in 1992 to over 115,000 by 2009.
Muslim Migration: This Muslim Country will see highest number of its citizens settling in the US in next 5 years; not Bangladesh, Indonesia, or UAE, it is…
By 2030, it is estimated that more than 130,000 Muslims will be granted permanent residency in the U.S. each year. Among them, the highest number—22,000—will come from Pakistan, followed by 16,000 from Bangladesh, 14,000 from Somalia, 11,000 from Iran, and 7,000 from Iraq. This trend highlights an evolution in migration patterns, indicating shifts in the geopolitical landscape and economic opportunities.
According to a Pew Research Centre report titled ‘Muslim migrants around the world,’ four of Muslims’ top 10 destinations are in the Middle East and North Africa, two are in Europe, three are in Asia and the Pacific, and one (the United States) is in North America. This diverse set of destinations underlines the varied experiences and motivations of Muslim immigrants everywhere.
In 1992, Muslim immigrants constituted approximately 5.1% of all new permanent residents in the United States. By 2009, this percentage had increased to 10.2%, reflecting a steady rise in Muslim immigration over the years and contributing to the continuous growth of the Muslim population in the country. This substantial growth has been driven not only by immigration but also by higher birth rates among Muslim families.
By 2030, the Muslim immigrant population in the U.S. is projected to reach 1.1 million, making up 11.4% of all new permanent residents. This increase will undoubtedly influence various facets of American life, from cultural practices to economic contributions and community development.
A large share of Muslim immigrants to the United States comes from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and various Middle Eastern countries. For instance, 96.4% of Pakistan’s population follows Islam, and approximately 89.5% of Pakistani immigrants in the U.S. are Muslim. This pattern indicates that most immigrants from Muslim-majority nations tend to belong to the same religious background, though there are some exceptions.
Muslim immigration to the United States has been on a steady rise since the 1990s, driven by both immigration and birth rates. By 2030, an estimated 130,000 Muslims are expected to receive permanent residency in the U.S. each year, further increasing the Muslim community’s share in American society, according to ABPlive. The perspective that this growth brings to American society is multifaceted, enriching the cultural tapestry of the nation.
