Fact Check: "Approximately 25 million US citizens were born abroad."
What We Know
The claim that "approximately 25 million US citizens were born abroad" requires scrutiny against available data. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2021, there were about 9 million foreign-born individuals living in the United States who were naturalized citizens. This figure indicates that while there is a significant population of U.S. citizens who were born abroad, it does not reach the 25 million mark claimed.
Furthermore, the Pew Research Center has reported that the number of foreign-born individuals in the U.S. has been steadily increasing, but the total number of U.S. citizens born abroad is considerably lower than 25 million. Their estimates suggest that the foreign-born population, including both citizens and non-citizens, is around 44 million, but this includes individuals who may not be U.S. citizens.
Analysis
The claim of 25 million U.S. citizens born abroad appears to be an exaggeration. The most reliable data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Pew Research Center indicates that the number of naturalized citizens is significantly lower than the claim suggests. The Census Bureau's data, which is collected through rigorous methodologies, provides a solid foundation for understanding the demographics of U.S. citizens, including those born abroad.
Additionally, the claim lacks citation from credible sources that would support such a high figure. The absence of corroborating evidence from reputable demographic studies or government reports raises questions about the accuracy of the claim. The potential for misinformation in social media contexts, where such claims often circulate, further complicates the reliability of the assertion.
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified
The claim that approximately 25 million U.S. citizens were born abroad is unverified due to a lack of supporting evidence from credible sources. Current data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Pew Research Center indicates that the number of U.S. citizens born abroad is significantly lower than the claim suggests. Without reliable data to substantiate the figure, it remains unverified.
