foreignborn

Foreign-born is a demographic term used to describe people who were born outside the country in which they currently reside. It is widely used in national statistics, policy analysis, and academic research to study immigration and integration processes.

The term refers to birthplace rather than citizenship or legal status. A person born abroad may be a naturalized citizen, hold dual citizenship, or retain citizenship from another country. Conversely, someone born in the country who later naturalizes is not foreign-born by birth. Because it is defined by place of birth, foreign-born status can apply to long-term residents, temporary migrants, refugees, students, or others who were born outside the country, regardless of how long they have lived there or what their current status is.

In many countries, official statistics differentiate foreign-born residents from native-born residents or citizens. In the United States, for example, the Census Bureau and the American Community Survey regularly publish data on the foreign-born population, including geographic distribution, country of origin, age, and length of residence. Similar data collection exists in other nations to analyze immigration patterns and social integration.

Definitions and categories can vary by country. Some jurisdictions exclude people born in overseas territories; others include them. Data limitations include self-reported birthplace, changes in residence, and naturalization status, which can complicate longitudinal comparisons.