This database contains the number of persons obtaining legal permanent status in the U.S. by last residence and by decade, with start and end dates reflecting Fiscal Years (Oct. 1-Sept. 30). NA indicates data are either zero or not available.  

• From 1820 to 1867, figures represent alien passenger arrivals at seaports.
• From 1868 to 1891 and 1895 to 1897, figures represent immigrant alien arrivals.
• From 1892 to 1894 and 1898 to 2011, figures represent immigrant aliens admitted for permanent residence.
• From 1892 to 1903, aliens entering by cabin class were not counted as immigrants.
• Land arrivals were not completely enumerated until 1908.
• 1843 covers 9 months ending September 30, 1843.
• Fiscal Years 1832 and 1850 cover 15 months ending December 31.  Fiscal Year 1868 covers 6 months ending June 30, 1868, and Fiscal Year 1976 covers 15 months ending September 30, 1976.
• Data for years prior to 1906 refer to country of origin.
• Data from 1906 to 2011 refer to country of last residence.
• Because of changes in country boundaries, data for a particular country may not necessarily refer to the same geographic area over time.

See more Geographic Background.