Explores reasons for the recent increase in immigration into the United States, which has almost doubled since 1981. Admissions under the basic immigration system have been generously augmented by legalized aliens and refugees. Implications for the future, and probable increases, especially in the category of immediate relatives of immigrants…

Recent trends in the dynamics and character of the U.S. population, outlook for the remainder of 1980s, and prospects for long-term growth are reviewed. Estimated at 232 million as of mid-1982, the U.S. population is currently growing at about 1 percent/year, one of the developed world's highest growth rates. Natural increase (births minus deaths)…