A new home: A look at immigration in Indiana

One of the biggest takeaways from this year’s presidential election was concern about border security and immigration. While Indiana is not a border state, it is home to an increasing number of foreign-born residents. As the demographics within Indiana change, what can Hoosiers learn about their immigrant neighbors? Making Indiana home The Foreign Born Population United States: 2022 report stated that, “Most states saw an increase in their foreign-born share between 2010 and 2022.” Indiana was no different seeing between a 5% and 9% increase during that timeframe. Mayor Joe Hogsett attends a recent open house at the Immigrant Welcome Center. (Photo provided/Immigrant Welcome Center) Just over six percent or about 420,000 Indiana residents are foreign-born according to the 2023 American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, compared to 14.3% in the nation. The same survey indicated that the highest percentage of people are coming to the crossroads of America from Mexico, India, Nigeria, China and Burma. Gurinder Kaur Gurinder Kaur, CEO of the Immigrant Welcome Center (IWC), said some immigrants choose to make Indiana their home for a multitude of reasons. Jobs, other people they know who are living nearby or simple word of mouth may bring them...